Navy chief: No intrusion on RP-claimed isles in Spratlys

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – There has been no intrusion in the islands claimed by the Philippines in the Spratlys’ amid the continuous presence of Chinese war ships near the disputed territory, according to acting Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez yesterday.

The Philippines which have claimed at least nine islands from the disputed chain of islands is located in South China Sea, near Palawan and is the world’s second busiest international sea lane.

Reports showed that China has increased its naval presence in the area which is said to be potentially rich in oil and natural gas resources.

The Chinese Navy presence even intensified when the Vietnam and US conducted bilateral mari-time exercises last August near the border of the disputed islands.

“So far there has been no reported presence of intrusion in the nine islands claimed by our country. We have a gentleman’s agreement (with all the claimant countries) to have a status quo,” Cortez said.

Cortez, who was here as guest of the Naval For-ces Western Mindanao founding anniversary yesterday, said the agreement has been holding among the claiming countries. 

The Navy official said the Philippines continues to make its presence felt with its continuous logistical run in the islands for the Filipino soldiers based in that area.