Julian Felipe Reef never under Philippine possession —Palace
By LLANESCA T. PANTI, GMA News
Published May 11, 2021 2:35pm
Updated May 11, 2021 10:23pm
Malacañang on Tuesday said the Philippines was never in possession of Julian Felipe Reef, an area in the West Philippine Sea that hit the headlines due to the presence of hundreds of Chinese ships there.
“Kasi alam mo hindi po yan kabahagi ng ating EEZ, yung Julian Felipe. Labas po yan, ganyan po kalayo yan,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.
In March, over 200 Chinese vessels swarmed Julian Felipe Reef prompting a series of diplomatic protests from the Philippine government. Reports have said that majority of the vessels have left the area, but several have remained.