MANILA, Philippines– The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is verifying reports that alleged members of the Chinese coast guard had harassed Filipino fishermen fishing off Union Banks last week.
“We are still validating that story. We also heard that but it’s hard to give an official statement without getting first the facts and verifying the alleged incident,” said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Thursday, April 20.
“In coordination with other agencies particularly the Philippine Coast Guard, we will validate it and thereafter take the proper actions,” he added.
Año said Union Banks, a submerged feature, is near Gaven Reef, a feature holding some Chinese structures. It is a large drowned atoll in the center of Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea.
Reports said the incident took place somewhere off Mariveles, Bataan.
The fishermen came from La Union.
