MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is better to use Philippine Coast Guard ships instead of the Navy in patrolling the vicinity of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc to avoid any provocative move.
“The position of DFA is to ask concerned government agencies to patrol Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoals) using civilian ships,” DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Charles Jose said in a text message Wednesday.
He said Coast Guard ships patrolling the area can immediately send information on any development there.
The DFA senior official is reacting to the statement made by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to send Navy ships instead of Coast Guards in the area.
However, Jose said sending Navy ships could be misinterpreted.
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