The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed on Tuesday to increase the presence of its Navy personnel in the disputed areas of the South China Sea, locally referred to as West Philippine Sea (WPS). The move was in response to China’s new law allowing its Coast Guard to fire at foreign vessels. But AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana clarified that the presence of more Navy ships in the West Philippine Sea is not meant to provoke or wage war but merely to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen.

Recuenco, A. (2021, February 10). More Navy ships to secure WPS. Tempo, p. 2.