To strengthen the country’s maritime stakes in the West Philippine Sea following persistent Chinese incursions, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has installed additional navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Vice Adm. Joseph Coyme, commander of the PCG’s Task Force Kaligtasan sa Karagatan, flew over islands and reefs being claimed by the country on Saturday to inspect the new and previously installed Spanish-made markers equipped with a remote monitoring system. “[They’re] not only for navigational safety for boats and ships but [they] also [serve] as sovereign markers. [They bear] the Philippine flag to boost our presence, as well as control and administration of these claimed areas,” Coyme said of the nearly 30-foot-long buoys weighing two tons each.

Coast Guard installs buoys in parts of West Philippine Sea. (2023, May 16). Panay News, pp. 9, 15.