AFP maintains military presence in West Philippine Sea amid Chinese harassment

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Sunday that it will maintain its military presence in the West Philippine Sea despite increasing harassment from China.

Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP deputy chief of staff, emphasized that Manila will continue to assert its rights against Beijing's belligerence and deploy naval and air forces to demonstrate sovereignty over the area.

On Sunday, Chinese Coast Guard vessels rammed and used water cannons on a Philippine BFAR vessel near Escoda Shoal within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Dr. Renato Castro of De La Salle University warned that China's actions could escalate further and urged the Philippines to implement its strategies in the strategically important area.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Gaerlan participated in a motorcycle ride from Camp Aguinaldo to Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, aimed at raising public awareness about the country's sovereign rights in the disputed waters.