Chinese ships spotted around Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off the coast of Zambales last week have remained in the area based on an aerial monitoring over the shoal, according to an official. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said it is possible that China is pushing through with its plan to conduct reclamation in the shoal, which a UN-backed arbitral court has declared a common fishing area. Lorenzana reported the presence of the Chinese ships on Panatag Shoal to President Duterte last week.

10 Chinese ships spotted in Panatag. (2016, September 7). Philippine Star, pp. 1, 8.