AFP vows West Philippine Sea patrols amid China boat swarm

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday reassured the public that it is continuously patrolling the country’s territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Reacting to reports from the Information Working Group of the National Task Force on WPS, the AFP said it remains ready to act as directed by the commander-in-chief.

“Your AFP, through the Western Command in Palawan, continues to abide by our constitutional duty to protect and defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity through maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea,” AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said.

The military noted that it has monitored continuing and repeated violations against the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea by foreign vessels, “and these are being reported to and acted upon by concerned agencies.”

“Guided by the pronouncements and policy direction of our Commander-in-Chief President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., the AFP stands ready to secure the national interests of our Republic,” Aguilar said.

Since Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia boats started swarming WPS during the past years, the AFP has been conducting increased maritime patrols in the area.

The Philippine Navy has also partnered with other relevant government agencies and law enforcement bodies, including the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.