By MA. ANGELICA GARCIA, GMA News
Published April 15, 2021 7:03pm The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday reported three new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Filipinos overseas, raising the total tally to 18,008. The DFA said no new fatalities and recoveries were reported. Total recoveries remained at 11,042, while the death toll was at 1,113. So far, there are 5,853 active cases undergoing treatment. The DFA received reports confirming 3 new COVID-19 cases, no new recovery, and no new fatality among Filipinos abroad. To date, the total number of countries and territories with confirmed cases among Filipinos abroad remains at 91.@teddyboylocsin#DFAForgingAhead#WeHealAsOnepic.twitter.com/boalloUfOt DFA Philippines (@DFAPHL) April 15, 2021
Advertisement
After several weeks of filing daily diplomatic complaints, the Philippine’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) this week summoned Beijing’s ambassador to discuss the “illegal lingering presence” of Chinese ships in areas of the South China Sea claimed by the Manila.
Foreign Undersecretary Elizabeth Buensuceso met Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian at the Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday, according to DFA, and repeated Manila’s demand that Beijing withdraw the fleets of vessels. Since late March, the ships have been hanging around disputed areas in the Spratly Islands, particularly around Whitsun Reef, a low-tide elevation that lies around 175 nautical miles from Palawan, the Philippines westernmost island.
President Rodrigo Duterte shows no signs of balancing the country s interests or altering its ties to the Chinese government even with almost a year left before his term ends, an opposition lawmaker says.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says this marks the first time Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian was summoned, more than a year into his term as envoy.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea says the Chinese maritime militia vessels were dispersed around Pagkakaisa Banks and Pag-asa Islands in the West Philippine Sea.