The Philippine Navy on Tuesday clarified that the presence of crushed corals in several shoals within the West Philippine Sea (WPS) appears to be the result of natural phenomena rather than human activity.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Navy’s WPS operations, said in a media briefing that recent coral formations observed in Hasa-Hasa Shoal, Sabina Shoal, and Sandy Cay near Pag-asa Island may have been caused by tidal movements or weather disturbances.
“There was no noted presence of any vessel that was dumping crushed corals,” Trinidad said, citing findings from joint assessments with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
He explained that the elevation of certain features in the WPS may have risen due to accumulated coral debris, a common occurrence during strong weather events.
“Tidal movement or weather disturbances usually pile up crushed corals on shallow portions of the WPS,” he added.
Despite these changes in terrain, Trinidad emphasized that the military’s stance in the region remains firm.
“We are there to secure the integrity of our national territory,” he said.
The Navy continues to monitor developments in the WPS amid ongoing efforts to safeguard Philippine maritime interests. (PNA)
The Bench Files 
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