(Eagle News)–“‘That’s impossible!”
The Palace had this to say when sought for comment on Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano’s statement President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered a halt in the military’s patrol operations in the West Philippine Sea.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the comment on Sunday, June 10, a day after Alejano, a critic of the Duterte administration, claimed the President gave the order, citing alleged information from a supposed military source.
“Ayun ang information na nakuha natin na ‘wag na tayong magsayang ng oras sa West Philippine Sea kasi wala rin naman mangyayari. Gagastos tayo ng fuel diyan wala rin naman mangyayari… so ‘wag na kayo mag-patrolya,” Alejano had said.
Roque’s denial of Alejano’s allegations also came after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Edgar Arevalo issued their own denials, with Arevalo calling the lawmaker’s move either a “malicious imputation” on the President or false news.
Some countries such as China, have put forward claims in the West Philippine Sea.