Philippines says it has resumed patrols at disputed shoal
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine coast guard said Monday it has resumed patrols at a shoal at the center of a territorial dispute with China using two vessels, including one supplied by Japan.
Coast guard spokesman Armand Balilo said the patrol boats were deployed to Scarborough Shoal last week. The Philippines plans to conduct regular patrols of those waters off the country’s northwest, he said.
Balilo refused to provide other details, including how close the Philippine vessels got to Scarborough, a rich fishing area where Chinese coast guard ships continue to keep watch.