Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that safeguarding the country’s interests in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) should hinge on strengthening defense resources. “The name of the game in the [WPS] is effective presence. It means whoever is there has control of that specific area," Brawner said in a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Barro, D. II. (2023, October 8). 'Effective presence' key in asserting sovereignty in West PH sea - AFP chief. Manila Bulletin, p. 4.