The Philippine Navy denied China’s claim that it expelled a Philippine ship from Panatag Shoal, calling it a disinformation tactic for China’s domestic audience.
Navy spokesperson Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad affirmed that only Philippine-flagged vessels have the legal right to operate within the country’s maritime zones.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea also rejected China’s claim of granting permission for a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, emphasizing that the area is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone as recognized by the 2016 arbitral ruling.
President Marcos welcomed Google Maps’ visible labeling of the West Philippine Sea, citing it as global recognition of the country’s maritime entitlements.
The government emphasized that such developments boost both domestic and international awareness of the Philippines’ sovereign rights under UNCLOS.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 22, 2025
