President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday said the presence of Chinese warships in the South China Sea and increased cyberattacks are worrisome, but these would not deter his resolve to defend Philippine sea claims and protect Filipino fishermen. “Before, only the Coast Guard of China was moving in our areas,” he told reporters before flying to Australia for a state visit. “Now, it’s the Navy too.” The Philippine Coast Guard spotted Chinese Navy vessels during a patrol mission by a fishery bureau vessel near Scarborough Shoal last week, just as Manila raised alarm over increased cyber-attacks and electronic interference targeting its communication equipment.

Atienza, K. A. T., & Basilio, K. C. L. (2024, February 29). Marcos says Chinese Navy presence in South China Sea is 'worrisome'. BusinessWorld, p. S1/10.