Blasts heard in Pag-asa Island after PH, China sea encounter

MANILA, Philippines—A series of blasts was heard by residents of Philippine-occupied Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday (Nov. 20), strong enough to jolt the ground as it rippled into the island.

A report from local police said “the repetitive sounds” were believed to come from “artillery guns/weapons” from Chinese-held Zamora (Subi) Reef, one of the biggest out of seven man-made islands built by Beijing in the Spratly Islands, some 26 kilometers away. But at least two officials who spoke to the Inquirer on the condition of anonymity said the source of the loud blasts, which were heard from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., was still being verified

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