Malaysia invading Spratlys: Manila

Wed, 25 Aug 1999 | Source: AP

MANILA (AP): Structures recently built by Malaysia in disputed areas of the South China Sea include facilities with military purposes, a Philippine official said on Tuesday.

Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado said the structures built by Malaysia on two reefs in the Spratly Islands have equipment such as helicopter landing pads similar to that installed by China earlier on another disputed reef.

After the Philippines protested to Malaysia over the structures, Malaysia responded that the buildings were for peaceful purposes such as the monitoring and preservation of marine resources.

Last Friday, the Philippines presented a protest note to a Malaysian Embassy official over Malaysia's construction of a two- story building and a helipad on Erica Reef, about 525 kilometers west of Puerto Princesa, capital of the western Philippine province of Palawan.

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