Manila to examine Spratly complaint

Manila to examine Spratly complaint

MANILA (DPA): President Fidel Ramos promised China that Manila would look into its diplomatic protest over an incident on a reef off the disputed Spratly Islands, in which Philippine navy patrols forced Chinese vessels to leave the area, a palace statement said yesterday.

Ramos made the assurance while in Acapulco, Mexico, on the second leg of his 10-day tour that began in the United States.

Foreign affairs officials said Chinese Ambassador to Manila Guan Dengming filed the protest last Friday, also complaining that Filipino fishermen had removed Chinese markers and hoisted a Philippine flag on the reef after the fishing vessels left.

Beijing filed the protest more than a week after Manila also complained about the discovery on April 25 of three Chinese vessels and a new "hut-like" structure on a part of the Spratlys claimed by both nations.