Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has issued a strong statement demanding Chinese vessels to leave the West Philippine Sea.
In the statement, Lorenzana took Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian to task and questioned the need for 44 Chinese vessels to stay at Julian Felipe Reef amid good weather.
“I am no fool. The weather has been good so far, so they have no other reason to stay there. These vessels should be on their way out. Umalis na kayo diyan,” Lorenzana said.
On March 20th, the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea reported that about 220 Chinese ships were spotted at Julian Felipe Reef.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin has filed a diplomatic protest with China regarding the issue. Arvee Christine R. Biscocho