It’s up to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to officially protest the presence of about 120 Chinese vessels particularly on the side of Tizard Bank that is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Spratlys Islands, Malacañang said yesterday. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said he does not have information to confirm a report released by US-based Simularity dated April 28 showing approximately 11 ships in Julian Felipe Reef, 158 ships near McKennan (Hughes) Reef and 87 ships near Burgos (Gaven) Reef. He said he has no idea how the National Task Force on West Philippine Sea is handling the matter. He noted that Burgos Reef is supposed to be occupied by China which reportedly uses an artificial island in the area as a military base. He presented aerial photos of the land features at a press briefing.

Mendez, C., & Felipe, C. S. (2021, May 26). Palace: Filing protest over China ships up to DFA. The Philippine Star, p. 2.