The Western Command (Wescom) on Saturday expressed alarm over the heightened presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels and the case of massive coral harvesting along Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, which is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. In a weekly news forum in Quezon City, Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos reported the “resurgence” of swarming incidents in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), noting that about 40 Chinese fishing vessels (CFVs) have been spotted as of Sept. 15 in Rozul Reef, which is located south of Recto Bank.

Western Command monitoring Chinese sightings, coral conditions in Rozul Reef. (2023, September 18). SunStar Pampanga, pp. 3, 9.