Malacañang said it is not necessary for President Duterte to convene to the National Security Council (NSC) over the incident which took place near the Recto Bank early this month. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after Senator Richard Gordon suggested that Duterte should talk to the NSC over the abandonment of the 22 Filipino fishermen by a Chinese vessel. The boat of the 22 fishermen was reported to be hit by the Chinese vessel which immediately fled the scene. The passengers of the Filipino boat were rescued by a Vietnamese vessel.

Geducos, A. C. B. (2019, June 30). No need to convene security council over Recto Bank issue - Palace. Manila Bulletin, p. 7.