More 'Chinese' concrete blocks spotted in Panatag

MANILA, Philippines - More concrete blocks have been spotted in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal but the government remains tight-lipped as to what would be done to prevent China from taking over the area.

Defense department spokesman Peter Galvez said at least 75 concrete blocks were seen around the shoal by an aerial surveillance team Monday.

Officials revealed last Tuesday that there were at least 30 concrete blocks in the area. Galvez said it is possible that some of them were not seen during the surveillance conducted last Aug. 31.

“There are approximately 75 concrete blocks scattered in a two-hectare area in the northern portion of Bajo de Masinloc (another name of Panatag Shoal). Each block (measures) two feet by two feet,” Galvez told reporters Wednesday.

“These (blocks) can be easily dropped off from any platform,” he added.

The blocks, Galvez said, can be used as foundations for a structure and can be a prelude to a construction activity.

Three Chinese coast guard ships were also monitored within the vicinity of the shoal.

Located 124 nautical miles from the nearest point in Zambales, the Panatag Shoal used to be a traditional fishing area for local fishermen

China started shoring up its presence in Panatag Shoal on April 10, 2012, when surveillance ships from Beijing prevented the Philippine Navy from arresting Chinese fishermen who had poached endangered marine species.

Chinese ships have since cordoned the area illegally and ignored the diplomatic protests of the Philippine government.

China, which claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), is notorious for building structures in disputed areas.

One of the areas occupied by China to assert its claims is the Philippine-owned Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, which is about 70 nautical miles from Palawan.

China has been occupying the area since 1995 even if it falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

China initially built structures on stilts at the reef, supposedly to provide shelter for fishermen but these were later on converted into a military garrison with powerful radars.

Among the structures that were reportedly built in the reef were a windmill, solar panels, a concrete platform suitable for helipad and a basketball court.

China has also installed a powerful radar station in Subi Reef, an islet 12 nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island, which is part of Kalayaan Island.

Not this time

Galvez  said the Panatag Shoal would not be another Mischief Reef but could not say what would be done to prevent a Chinese occupation of the area.

However, he hinted that the Philippines would again resort to diplomatic channels to assert its rights, a strategy that has been ignored by China.

“At the moment we have the arbitration, the filing of our protest, so we are proceeding with that and this can be used to that but anyway  all the necessary actions will be coordinated with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs),” Galvez said.

Galvez said the government does not want a repeat of the Mischief Reef incident.

When asked what the military will do in the event that China puts up more concrete blocks in Panatag, Galvez said: “We’ll get to that maybe later on but as of now, I can only provide you updates.”

When reminded that China has been ignoring the Philippines’ “diplomatic offensives,” Galvez replied: “Of course  we are very patient in approaching this. This is the right way to do it.”

“I believe it will prosper,” he added.

China has also been conducting illegal patrols in the Ayungin Shoal off Palawan. The Philippines has filed a case against China’s “excessive” and “exaggerated” territorial claims before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.