AFP intensifying presence in West Philippines Sea

To ensure that territorial defense remains a top priority, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is increasing its presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) even during President Marcos' scheduled visit to China this week.

While the President travels to China for a state visit and a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, Philippine security forces will increase patrols in the disputed waters within the country's exclusive economic zone.

“We are intensifying our presence there as directed by DND (Department of National Defense),” Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesman, told reporters yesterday.

Since the increased presence of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia vessels in the WPS, the AFP, through the Philippine navy, has increased patrol operations in the area alongside the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Despite radio challenges and shadowing activities by the CCG, the military continues to send fresh supplies to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal.
Clarita Carlos, the Philippines' National Security Adviser, recently stated that the WPS and SCS disputes, not only between the Philippines and China, but also with other claimant countries, are a food security issue.

via philstar