The Philippine Navy (PN) denied China’s claim that it has occupied Sandy Cay, which it calls Tiexian Reef and part of the disputed Spratly Islands, in the West Philippine Sea.

Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the latest claim of China was meant to divert the attention of the public, following discovery of Chinese spies and an alleged troll farm hired by the Chinese Embassy in Manila in 2023.

“Chineck natin kasama ang Coast Guard, ang Navy, ang AFP, ang BFAR, and other agencies. Walang nakita doon and we were able to debunk ‘yung pinapalabas nila na may picture sila,” Trinidad said.

“Hindi nga nakalagay kung kailan ‘yung picture na nakuha,” he added.

Trinidad said that authorities also saw around four Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and 19 maritime militia near Sandy Cay.

Trinidad also assured the public that Philippine authorities are continuously monitoring Sandy Cay.