The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Norte is seeking the support of the Negros Occidental provincial council by endorsing its resolution, that strongly supports the Philippine sovereignty over the disputed Scarborough shoal.

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., who presided over the SP regular session Wednesday, referred the resolution of the Zamboanga Del Norte provincial council to the Committee on Laws and Ordinances, which is now chaired by Board Member Raul Rivera, for appropriate action.

The resolution of the Zamboanga del Norte provincial council states that the Philippine-China standoff over the dispute of sovereignty must be resolved through diplomatic or other peaceful means within the mechanism of the United Nations Charter and UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

By geographic setting, the Panatag Shoal is only 124 nautical miles off of Zamblaes, whereas, it is 472 miles from the nearest Chinese coast, the resolution said. It is therefore conclusive that the Panatag Shoal is a Philippine territory, it added.

The Zamboanga del Norte provincial council also resolved to request China to withdraw its claim over the Panatag Shoal, and pull out its ships or vessels, and desist from conducting any exploration, fishing or gathering of living and non-living organisms, among others.*GPB

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