President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to have the results of Philippine and Chinese authorities’ investigations before issuing a statement on the Reed Bank incident. In his speech during the 121st anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Cavite City on Monday, Duterte said it was his choice not to speak on the issue first until an investigation was made. “It’s a maritime incident. It is best investigated and I will not issue a statement now because there is no investigation and there is no result. Then the only thing that we can do is to wait and give the other party the right to be heard,” Duterte said.

Co, A. S. (2019, June 19). Duterte to hear 'both sides' on Reed Bank incident. Panay News, p. 7.