The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the government will file a protest if China makes good on its reported plan to build structures at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, a resource-rich fishing ground well within the territory of the Philippines. DFA spokesman Charles Jose said the Philippine military and intelligence agencies should keep an eye on the West Philippine Sea. He noted that the Coast Guard is a civilian agency, which sends a message that the Philippines is avoiding war or military confrontation in the area.

Pilapil, J., Valente, C. S., & Antiporda, J. (2017, March 23). PH to protest if China builds on Panatag. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.