THE Philippine Navy continues to monitor Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), with military officials expressing concern over their ongoing presence.
Despite this, the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP) have carried out multiple operations in the area as part of their mandate to protect Philippine territory.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad described the presence of Chinese maritime militia, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and the Chinese Coast Guard as a “continuing threat” in the region.
He emphasized that these forces have been in the area for some time and are considered an “existential threat” to Philippine interests.
“We have monitored them. We are tracking them,” Trinidad said, reaffirming the Navy’s vigilance in the area.
The military’s operations in the WPS are ongoing, with AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla reporting that from November 1 to 25, the Philippine Navy and Air Force conducted 54 successful patrol missions in the region.
“These operations include three sealift missions, 13 maritime patrols or sovereignty patrols or the MARPAT or SOVPAT, one maritime surveillance patrol or MARSUVPAT, one search and rescue operation, and one rotation and resupply mission to our naval vessels,” Padilla said.
“Meanwhile, our Naval and Air Force aircraft executed four maritime air surveillance or intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance operations along with 30 maritime patrols, and one search and rescue operation,” she added.
This heightened activity follows the launch of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) announced by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. last month, which aims to strengthen the Philippines’ ability to safeguard its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Teodoro emphasized the need to develop capabilities to ensure that Filipinos and future generations can benefit from the natural resources within the country’s maritime domain.
The tensions surrounding the WPS are rooted in China’s territorial claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, which includes waters claimed by other countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
Despite an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that China’s claims lack legal basis, Beijing continues to assert its control over the region, further complicating the situation.
The Philippines, however, remains committed to defending its sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens in the region.