The Philippines on Wednesday has reiterated its call for China to withdraw its militia ships spotted massing in the country's maritime territory off the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) issued this call as the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) have continued with their "unlawful swarming presence" and have appeared off the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) instead of complying with the country's demand that they withdraw their ships off Julian Felipe Reef. "NTF WPS stands by its observation that these so-called  'fishing' vessels are maritime militia. Their build-up and massing formation from Julian Felipe Reef to other areas of the Kalayaan Island Group is hazardous to navigation and safety of life at sea," it added.

Gov't task force: Keep all Chinese ships off WPS. (2021, April 1 - 4). SunStar Davao, p. 2.