The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will bring experts from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) in the next underwater survey to inspect the allegedly damaged coral reefs by China in Rozul (Iroquois) reef and Sabina (Escoda) ) shoal.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela said the agency monitored 33 Chinese maritime militia vessels in Rozul reef while 15 others were spotted in Sabina shoal.
These are the same areas in the West Philippine Sea where the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Security Council observed damaged, possibly harvested corals, as well as the near absence of marine life forms in the area.
Based on the PCG’s assessment, the findings of the two agencies were confirmed.
Except for the Chinese maritime militia vessels, no other foreign ships were spotted in the area during the said period.
This is the reason why they plan to conduct a new maritime patrol and underwater survey in the next few days.
