The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) asked for the public’s understanding for not publicizing government measures in response to China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea amid criticisms of the government’s supposed inaction to address the issue. DFA Undersecretary Ernesto Abella made the statement after the Palace confirmed that the Philippines already filed diplomatic protests against China over several issues in the disputed waters, including the reported harassment on Philippine military forces by Chinese forces there. Abella, in an interview in Malacañang after almost seven months, allayed the public’s concern that the government is not doing anything about China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea.

Geducos, A. C. B. (2018, June 02). DFA assures: gov’t not sitting on WPS issue. Manila Bulletin, p. 15.