The Department of National Defense (DND) has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to beef up its presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) following Chinese activities monitored near Pag-asa Island. In a statement Thursday, the DND said any encroachment or reclamation on the features in the WPS is a threat to Pag-asa Island which is part of the country’s territory. “Any encroachment in the WPS or reclamation on the features therein is a threat to the security of Pag-asa Island, which is part of Philippine sovereign territory,” it added.

DND orders more AFP presence in WPS. (2022, December 23). SunStar Cebu, p. 4.