AFP to practice maximum tolerance in WPS while asserting presence

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will practice maximum tolerance in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) while asserting the country's presence to protect its sovereignty and national interests.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla affirmed support for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies operating in the disputed waters.

Padilla stated that any challenges from foreign forces will be addressed with utmost professionalism, emphasizing the AFP's commitment to its mandate.

This statement comes after a recent incident where a PCG vessel, BRP Datu Sanday, was harassed by a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and three other Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal.

The BRP Datu Sanday was in the area to supply fuel to Filipino fishermen as part of the government's increased presence initiative following previous harassment incidents.