The national government will continue to employ a peaceful and “whole-of-government” approach in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by maintaining the presence of white ships or civilian vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) despite China’s aggression. Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), said the decision on whether or not the government will send gray ships or warships from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will depend on President Marcos Jr. “It’s up to the AFP leadership. It’s the Commander-in-Chief that decides whether we are going to modify our response in the West Philippine Sea,” he said in a media forum on Saturday, Dec. 7.

PCG vessels to remain in WPS despite China's use of warships. (2024, December 9). Manila Bulletin, p. 2.