Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has told China to get its vessels out of Philippine territory, calling out its ambassador in Manila to explain the continued stay of 44 vessels in Juan Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea. In a strongly-worded statement, Lorenzana demanded that the Chinese vessels leave the country’s sovereign territory after swarming the reef since early last month. “We have already lodged our diplomatic protest, stating unequivocally our stand on the issue. We, again, reiterate our demand for the Chinese to leave our sovereign territories and abide by international law,” he said.

Cabrera, R., & Mateo, J. (2021, April 4). DND chief tells Chinese vessels to leave WPS reef. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 3.