The government is verifying reports of the alleged presence of a Chinese research ship spotted near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday. In a statement, Lorenzana said the Department of National Defense will act after maritime patrols in the area are done. “Rest assured that the AFP, through the Northern Luzon Command, undertakes regular domain awareness operations and provides all the necessary support to the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies to secure and implement our laws in our territorial waters and the EEZ,” he said.

Chinese ship near Panatag, DND to verify—Lorenzana. (2021, August 13). Manila Standard, p. A4.