Marcos considering warship deployment in WPS

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is considering deploying Philippine warships to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in response to ongoing harassment by Chinese vessels.

At a news forum on Saturday, PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela reiterated that while the Philippine Navy monitors the situation, it does not interfere with China's actions against Filipino fishermen and coast guard vessels.

Tarriela emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with President Marcos, who has full authority to decide on deploying naval ships as a policy option.

On December 4, Chinese warships interfered for the first time in the harassment of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels near Bajo de Masinloc and Escoda Shoal, raising concerns over the PLA Navy's involvement.

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that the Philippines reserves the right to deploy naval vessels in response to China's hostile acts in the WPS, while stressing that Marcos has made it clear that all disputes should be resolved diplomatically.