The Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Philippines’ rights over Panganiban and Zamora reefs and urged China to end its activities there.
The DFA said the reefs are low-tide elevations within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf and cannot be claimed as sovereign territory.
It said China’s island-building on the reefs violates international law and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
The statement followed reports that Chinese forces fired flares at a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft conducting a patrol in the area.
The Philippines also called on China to follow the 2016 arbitral ruling, which rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 12, 2026
PHILIPPINES DEMANDS END TO CHINA’S ‘ILLEGAL OCCUPATION’ OF PANGANIBAN, ZAMORA
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