The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will intensify patrols in the Iroquois Reef of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to drive away Chinese vessels spotted in the area. In a radio interview, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the WPS, said that 48 Chinese vessels were spotted swarming in the said reef during the patrolling conducted by the Philippine Navy. The reef is located only 128 nautical miles away from Palawan and is part of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Coast Guard, AFP to intensify patrolling in Iroquois Reef to drive away Chinese vessels. (2023, July 10). SunStar Cebu, p. 4.