AFP Calls UN for ‘Immediate’ Action on PHL Protest vs. China

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged the United Nations to immediately act on the Philippines’ diplomatic protest filed against China for the latter’s reclamation activities in South China Sea.

In a report over GMA News Online Tuesday, quoted AFP chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang as saying the UN should decide on the matter for the military to “move on” to other duties.

Catapang also said that while the case is pending, the military will refrain from any action that may further escalate tension.

Last Monday, the chief of staff confirmed that China is indeed building structures in Areas One, Five and Seven on the West Philippine Sea where the Mabini Reef (Johnson South Reef), Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) and Kennan Reef (Chigua Reef) are located. He said these three areas are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The same report said that while waiting for the resolution, Catapang stressed the need for new equipment to improve the country’s defense capabilities. Catapang noted that China’s defense capabilities are far more advanced than those of the Philippines.

Defense officials said that a latest surveillance photo of Burgos Reef (Gaven Reef) showed that China has constructed a building as large as the Mall of Asia in Pasay City—Manila’s biggest shopping mall.

Source: GMA News Online