The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) discovered an extensive damage in the corals surrounding Rozul (Iroquios) Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and it suspected that the swarming of Chinese vessels in the area had something to do with it. Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, commander of the Palawan-based Western Command (WesCom) which supervises the military operations in WPS, said they are now doubling their efforts on maritime surveillance after they detected a resurgence of Chinese vessels in Rozul Reef.

Sadongdong, M. (2023, September 18). AFP suspects Chinese swarming behind extensive coral damage at Rozul Reef. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.