The Philippines has sovereign rights over the Benham Rise area.

The Duterte Administration is firm in protecting the country's national interest and in upholding our sovereign rights.

The President has given instructions for more patrols in the Benham Rise area.  We also continue to coordinate with other Philippine relevant agencies on this matter to determine what further appropriate actions to take.

Chinese officials have also reiterated that China fully respects the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Benham Rise.