The Philippines will go beyond ship deployment in keeping a “strategic” presence in Sabina Shoal, a maritime council said on Monday after the pullout of the country’s largest coast guard vessel from the disputed atoll. “The President’s directive is to maintain our presence in Escoda Shoal,” National Maritime Council spokesperson Alexander Lopez told reporters at the presidential palace in mixed English and Filipino. “When we say presence, strategic presence, not just physical presence,” he added. “I just want to make clear that our presence is not limited to sending a single ship.”

Atienza, K. A. T., Ordoñez, J. V. D., & Hufana, C. M. A. (2024, September 17). PHL to keep 'strategic' presence at Sabina Shoal. BusinessWorld, p. S1/12.