The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said its underwater survey showed "extensive" damage on the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, areas frequented by Chinese militia in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). "The results of these surveys showed that the marine ecosystem in the subject WPS features appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life," PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said in a statement, citing the results of the underwater surveys. "The surveys conducted in Escoda Shoal revealed visible discoloration of its seabed, strongly indicating that deliberate activities may have been undertaken to modify the natural topography of its underwater terrain," he added.

PCG: 'Extensive' marine damage seen in Rozul Reef, Escoda Shoal. (2023, September 19). SunStar Pampanga, p. 2.