The Philippines has shot down China’s recent accusation of instigating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, citing instead the latter’s history of encroachment on Philippine territory. Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, criticized China’s takeover of Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, which is part of the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan, and Zamora (Subi) Reef, both located in the WPS.

Ong, G., Felipe, C. S., & Lee-Brago, P. (2025, April 1). PCG fires back at China, cites history of encroachment. The Philippine Star, pp. 1, 3.