MANILA has filed a diplomatic protest against China, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said, after the military over the weekend reported more than 600 Chinese vessels had been circling Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) since January. Panelo told reporters the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had filed the protest and that the military report was “definitely” a point of concern. “The mere fact that they’re there, staying there for a week, why? What are you doing there?” Panelo said.

Villanueva, R. U., & Reyes, D. (2019, April 2). PH protests Chinese vessels near Pag-asa. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.