The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officially announced on Saturday, June 3, that eight buoys positioned in Philippine waters remained intact, dismissing allegations of their removal.
PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo disclosed that according to PCG Palawan's report, the eight buoys were found to be in place.
However, the condition of two other buoys located in Balagtas (Irving) and Julian Felipe (Whitsun) reefs is still pending verification.
"Based don sa repor tng ating Coast Guard District Palawan, intact 'yung walong buoys na nilagay natin, pero ''yung dalawa na nilagay sa Balagtas saka sa Julian Felipe is hindi pa natin ma-confirm," he said.
Balilo clarified that the PCG was not actively searching for the two buoys but had been unable to reach them due to rough sea conditions.
He assured reporters that as soon as the weather permits, they will promptly investigate the location of the buoys in question.
Regarding the possibility that the buoys were removed by individuals or coast guards from other countries, Balilo responded that there is no evidence yet.
"Wala pa naman. Kailangang ma-check muna natin kung ano ‘yong reason do’n sa report. Baka mamaya, nando’n naman pala, so dapat maba-validate muna natin kung nawala nga ‘yong mga…may nawalang boya," he added,
Balilo emphasized that this is the first instance in which they have received an allegation of buoys placed by Philippine authorities disappearing from the waters.
A report dated May 18 from Beijing-based company Sohu.com claimed that Chinese fishermen, under the protection of the Chinese coast guard, had "fished out" all the buoys in Philippine waters. The report further alleged that the PCG felt "angry and helpless" due to the removal of the buoys.
The Philippines has earlier placed navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to assert sovereignty over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
The step comes amid China's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea as Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pursues warmer ties with treaty ally the United States.
