Chinese Military Aircraft at Mischief Reef

A Reuters story today says the Philippines is “looking into” two military aircraft on Mischief Reef.  The Chinese move them in and out as they choose, and they don’t stay long.  They had fighters there for awhile too.  Certainly more than just the Philippines knows about these aircraft.  I’m not sure why the Philippines has to be so coy about this and pretend they are trying to make a verification that the aircraft were there.  Satellites these days can show you serial numbers and lots more that will verify that is ithat it is a military plane and belongs to China.  Why be cute about it?