ABS-CBN
China dumped crushed corals in parts of West PH Sea: Coast Guard
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has discovered severe damage to marine life in the West Philippine Sea, specifically at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.
PCG surveys revealed discoloration of the seabed at Escoda Shoal, suggesting deliberate alteration of the underwater terrain.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed the severe degradation, attributing it to the Chinese maritime militia's alleged illegal and destructive fishing activities.
The PCG has now alleged that the Chinese maritime militia harvested and dumped processed coral reefs in parts of the West Philippine Sea.
PCG is seeking the expertise of marine scientists to examine samples of the crushed coral reefs and determine how and why they died.
These findings corroborate earlier reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its Western Command.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson described the documented destruction as "troubling" and stated the US is working with allies to protect Philippine natural resources.
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See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
The Western Command (Wescom) has expressed alarm over the heightened presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels and extensive damage to marine life and corals at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.
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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) refuted China's claim that the Philippines is fabricating a political drama regarding coral destruction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for China to pay billions of pesos for the destruction of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea, urging a Senate inquiry and compensation for Filipino fishermen.
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Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila to cease the destruction of marine resources in the West Philippine Sea, specifically at Rozul Reef.
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The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is currently exploring legal strategies against China due to the destruction of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
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