Manila, March 4 -- National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Ano on Tuesday called Chinese claims that Palawan was historically part of China as "baseless and revisionist."

"We categorically reject the baseless and revisionist claims circulating on Chinese social media that Palawan was historically part of China and should be returned to it," Ano said in a statement.

The NSA also said the assertions are outright fabrications intended to distort history, deceive the public and challenge the Philippines' sovereignty over its lawful and internationally recognized territory.

"Palawan has always been and will always remain an integral part of the Republic of the Philippines. No historical record, legal precedent nor credible evidence support ...