The Department of National Defense has ordered the military to strengthen its presence in the West Philippine Sea, the territory the country claims within the South China Sea, following reports of increased Chinese activity in the area. “Any encroachment in the West Philippine Sea or reclamation on the features therein is a threat to the security of Pag-asa Island, which is part of Philippine sovereign territory,” it said in a statement on Thursday.

Tan, A. N. O. (2022, December 23). Defense dep't orders tighter military watch in West PHL Sea. Business World, p. S1/10.