One of 3 China vessels leaves Scarborough

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said one of the three Chinese vessels engaged in a standoff with the Philippine Navy has left the Scarborough Shoal.

Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, spokesperson of the DFA, said China's move could be an indication of a breakthrough on the negotiations between the DFA and the Chinese embassy.

Hernandez said they have received information that the third Chinese vessel left the area, leaving the two other Chinese vessels and the eight Chinese fishing boats.

Navy personnel from the Philippine warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar earlier boarded and inspected the Chinese fishing vessels and found giant clams, corals and live sharks .

The Philippine warship has also earleir pulled out from Scarborough Shoal for re-fuelling and re-provisioning. The vessel is now at Poro Point in La Union, Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said.

The ship was relieved by the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Pampanga.

Meanwhile, Hernandez said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario is presently meeting with Chinese Ambassador Ma Kequing after getting new information from Beijing regarding the situation in Scarborough Shoal.

"Nakikipagmeeting ngayon si Secretary del Rosario kay Ambassador Ma na nakakuha ng information from Beijing tungkol sa ating panukala para makahanap ng solusyon dito sa Scarborough Shoal," Hernandez said in a radio interview.

He said the dialogue between the two has been "very transparent" and calm. Both the Philippines and China have been claiming right over the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal. Manila says Scarborough is within its 200-mile exclusive economic zone and within its continental shelf, while Beijing claims the territory on historical basis. Cheryl M. Arcibal