The Philippines is opting to keep its warships away from a disputed atoll in the South China Sea (SCS) for now, preferring to let its coast guard handle operations to avoid escalating tensions with China, its security adviser said on Thursday. National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said the government is leaving security operations at Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), including safeguarding Filipino fishers and enforcing maritime law, but stressed the military remains ready to assist “if needed.”

Basilio, K. C. L., & Hufana, C. M. A. (2025, August 15). Philippines keeping warships at bay to avoid fueling SCS tensions. BusinessWorld, p. S1/16.