THE Philippine government is now verifying reports that China has installed weather stations on three of its man-made islands in the contested South China Sea, Malacañang said on Tuesday, November 6.

"News reports quoting officials of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs state that weather observation stations have been established on the three features in the West Philippine Sea," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is looking into these reports. It is currently coordinating with concerned government agencies, as well as with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to verify the existence or non-existence of these alleged facilities," he added.

A report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) revealed that China has installed new weather stations on the Fiery Cross (Kagitingan), Subi (Zamora), and Mischief (Panganiban) reefs in the disputed Spratly Islands.

Quoting Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Lang, the SCMP said the weather stations would be used to ensure navigational safety in the contested waters.

The SCMP, however, raised possibility that the new weather stations, which have equipment for basic ground and atmospheric observation, as well as weather radars, "could also be used for military purposes."

Panelo assured Filipinos that the Duterte government would undertake "appropriate actions" once the reports are properly validated.

In a press conference held Monday, November 5, Panelo said the Philippines would file a diplomatic protest against China if it is proven true that Beijing continues stepping up its military capabilities in the South China Sea.

"We have to get confirmation of that since that is merely a news report. Certainly, the DFA will do its work and make the necessary diplomatic protest," Panelo said. (SunStar Philippines)