The Department of National Defense yesterday disclosed that it will launch an investigation into the reported missile tests conducted by China in areas around the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, also referred to as the West Philippine Sea.
In a text message to reporters, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they have to gather further information about the reported testing of anti-ship ballistic missiles by China over the weekend since they only learned about the matter through news reports.
“We have no firsthand knowledge about this missile launch except this news report,” he said. “We will conduct our own inquiry,” he added.
The United States military has confirmed the missile tests conducted by China.
“The Pentagon was aware of the Chinese missile launch from the man-made structures in the South China Sea near the Spratlys Islands,” Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn, Pentagon spokesperson, said.
Spratlys Islands, locally called Kalayaan Islands, is part of the contested area in the South China Sea.
Lorenzana said that appropriate actions will follow after their probe is finished. “(We) will decide later what to do if (report was) proven correct,” he noted. (Martin A. Sadongdong)