The military has reassured the public that it remains undaunted in the face of increased Chinese presence and more aggressive behavior at sea, especially around Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, guarded by a handful of soldiers stationed on the beached BRP Sierra Madre. This was according to Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, echoing earlier pronouncements from President Marcos and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. that a loss of Filipino life as a result of Chinese aggression would be enough to trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States.

Punongbayan, M., Porcalla, D., Clapano, J. R., & Lee-Brago, P. (2025, August 27). Navy remains undaunted by Chinese in WPS. The Philippine Star, p. 3.