Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 19) — Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said her administration did not make any deal with China to remove the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship deliberately grounded in 1999 to serve as a military outpost in the West Philippine Sea, from Ayungin Shoal.

“First, I never made such a promise to China or any other country. Second, I never authorized any of my government officials to make such a promise. Third, I only became aware of such claims recently, when the matter surfaced in public discussions,” Arroyo, who was president from 2001 to 2010, said Saturday.

Read More–>Ex-Pres. Arroyo: No deal with China to remove BRP Sierra Madre under my admin