Malacañang denied that China ignored President Duterte’s calls for the country to withdraw its ships from the disputed portions of the South China Sea, saying only a few are left since Duterte spoke about the issue. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement as the Philippines announced that it has protested the hostile acts exhibited by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine Coast Guard vessels in Bajo de Masinloc on April 24-25, 2021.

Geducos, A. C. B. (2021, May 4). Duterte's calls on WPS issue heeded, not ignored, by China Roque. Manila Bulletin, p. 3.