AFP says coral buildup in WPS likely natural, not human activity

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified that the reported buildup of crushed corals in several features in the West Philippine Sea is most likely due to natural factors, not human activity.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that crushed corals were observed in Sabina/Escoda Shoal, Hasa-Hasa Shoal, and Sandy Cay.

Trinidad mentioned that checks with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) did not detect any ships conducting reclamation or dumping activities.

He explained that while coral dumping was reported last year, the recent changes are attributed to natural occurrences like tidal movements or weather disturbances that pile up corals on shallow parts of the West Philippine Sea.