The Philippine Territory

MANILA, Philippines – Concrete blocks, believed to have been laid out by the Chinese, were spotted in the disputed Panatag Shoal (Scarborough) off Zambales which appears to be “a prelude to construction,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was quoted as saying in a radio report Tuesday.

The defense chief made the disclosure in a budget hearing at the House of Representatives where he said: “Concrete blocks were sighted (in Panatag) which is a prelude to construction.” He added that three coast guard ships were also seen last August 31.

A reef located 124 nautical miles from Zambales, Panatag Shoal, once named as Bajo de Masinloc, is being disputed by China and Philippines. Chinese presence continues in the area with its surveillance and fishing vessels.

Prior the hearing, Gazmin told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo that new violations were made by China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) but refused to give details, preferring to detail his revelation to the House.

Defense spokesman Peter Paul Galvez told reporters that more or less 30 concrete blocks were spotted in the northern portion of the shoal, estimated at two feet by two feet.

The concrete blocks were spotted over the weekend by a Navy plane patrolling the area.
He said the Department of Foreign Affairs was informed for appropriate action.

A military source confirmed the presence of concrete blocks and said the scenario appeared to be heading towards the same situation with Mischief Reef or Panganiban Reef near Ayungin Shoal, which is located 70 nautical miles from Palawan.

Structures built by China in the reef were sighted in 1995.
 
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