THE Philippine Navy has spotted a barrier in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and is investigating reports of underwater structures in the area, according to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for West Philippine Sea affairs.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Trinidad stated that elements of the Northern Luzon Naval Command observed the barriers during recent maritime domain awareness operations. He also confirmed that the Navy is verifying reports of underwater structures, but did not rule out the possibility that these could be remnants of previous structures.
Trinidad recalled that China erected a steel marker in Panatag Shoal in 1997, which was later destroyed by the Philippine Navy. He also noted that “building blocks” were previously observed in the area when it was used as a bombing range by the US and Philippine militaries. The Navy’s investigation aims to determine the nature and origin of the newly observed barrier and underwater structures.
