The reported failure of the US government to convince China to stop its massive reclamation in the West Philippine Sea will not deter the Philippines from pursuing its claim in the disputed region via peaceful means, the Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday said. DND spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said that while all indications are now pointing towards China’s plan to have total domination of the entire South China Sea, the country will continue to firmly hold on to its position that the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) is sovereign territory of the Philippines.

Laude, J. (2015, May 18). Phl to pursue sea claim in peaceful way. The Philippine Star, p. 2.