See USPPG.org for details
The following report by the Philippine Information Agency chronicles the state of the Stand Off as of May 2, 2012. For background on the current crisis, see the following discussion on Timawa.net: BRP Gregorio del Pilar engages Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal.
Chinese sea vessels remain in Panatag shoal says NOLCOMCAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City, May 2 (PIA) — Chinese sea vessels remain in the disputed Panatag shoal, also known as Scarborough shoal, the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) confirmed today.
Based on the monitoring of MCS 3008 and SARV-002/Saragani of the Philippine Coast Guard, seven fishing vessels and three fishing boats of China were still spotted in the territory, which is only 135 nautical miles away from Palauig and Masinloc towns of Zambales as of 8:00 p.m. on May 1.China marine surveillance vessel (CMS) 71 is located at latitude 15 degrees, 30.040 mins. north; longitude 117 degrees, 50.906 mins. east; or 13.6 nautical miles from SARV-002. Meanwhile, CMS 75 is located at latitude 15 degrees, 06.241 mins. north; longitude 117 degrees, 52.243 mins, or 3.3 nautical miles from SARTV-002.On the other hand, CMS 81 is located at latitude 15 degrees 16.275 mins. north, longitude 118 degrees, 01.146 mins. east, or at 11.9 nautical miles from SARV -002.Moreover, China’s FLEC 310 is located at latitude 15 degrees 02.58 mins. north, longitude 117 degrees 53.156 mins east, or at 8.3 nautical miles from SARV 002. The Philippine government maintain its claim that Panatag is inside the Exclusive Economic Zone, a provision stipulated in the United Nations Continental Shelf, in favor to the Philippines. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3) |