THE DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in coordination with national security agencies, is still verifying reports that Chinese ships were, indeed, seen near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, according to Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella on Wednesday. DFA Spokesperson Robespierre L. Bolivar said the department has yet to receive official reports from the security agencies. Magdalo Party-list Representative Gary C. Alejano said on Monday that according to his “sources” inside the military, Chinese vessels were spotted in the area, specifically two frigates, fishing vessels, and one Coast Guard vessel. China claims most of the South China Sea, parts of which are disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The Philippines won in an international tribunal ruling last year on its claims, which includes Pag-asa Island, considered as part of Palawan province. — Mario M. Banzon

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