The philippine coast guard (pcg) is verifying a report on the presence of two chinese military hydrographic survey vessels in the west philippine sea:he Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is verifying a report on the presence of two Chinese military hydrographic survey vessels in the West Philippine Sea, Malaca±ang said Thursday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the PCG has deployed vessels to monitor the area while verification is ongoing.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro mentioned in a Palace briefing that the verification of the report is ongoing, and PCG vessels are actively monitoring the area. She added that the Palace will release information that can be publicly shared once the verification is completed by the PCG. The report pertains to the alleged presence of two Chinese military hydrographic survey vessels in the West Philippine Sea on September 11.

When questioned about whether the reported activity could be deliberate amid renewed tensions over the West Philippine Sea and recent remarks by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights, Castro emphasized that the government could not speculate on China's intentions while the report was still being verified.

Republic Act 12065, also known as the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, outlines rules governing the passage of foreign vessels through the country's archipelagic sea lanes, including restrictions on activities not related to continuous and expeditious passage. Castro indicated that the government would provide additional information on the reported vessels once verification by the PCG is completed.

She also affirmed that Teodoro's remarks are well within his mandate as defense chief and in accordance with the country's laws. 'What he is doing is in accordance with our rights and the law, and as an official, he should defend the interests and rights of our people and our country with respect to these maritime rights,' Castro stated.