Malacañang on Thursday said the Philippines is not provoking any country in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite heightened tensions following the collision of two Chinese vessels in the area on Monday. “Whatever happens here, as the President said, the administration and the government are not provoking anything. We are only defending and continuing to protect and fight for our territory and sovereign rights,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

Quevedo, R. (2025, August 15). No WPS provocation following collision, says Palace. Daily Tribune, p. A2.