MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to file a note verbale against China over the reported presence of Chinese militia vessels around Pag-Asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo clarified Tuesday.

Panelo said he thought the note verbale was “on its way,” after China’s ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua denied receiving it from the Foreign Affairs department.

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“According to our western command, our DFA already filed a diplomatic protest or note verbale, and I asked (Zhao), ‘Have you received it?’ and he said ‘Not yet,’” Panelo said in an interview over the ABS-CBN News Channel.

“I confirmed with Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin that he’s going to file a note verbale. I think it’s on the way,” he said, referring to their conversation Monday night.

Citing a statement from the military, the presidential spokesperson earlier said the Philippine government already filed a diplomatic protest against China. /cbb

READ: Diplomatic protest filed vs surge of Chinese vessels in WPS – Panelo

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