Armed Forces chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said there will be no let up in the conduct of maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea.
He said the Department of Foreign Affairs is filing anew diplomatic protest over the presence of about 287 Chinese vessels scattered in the area.
Sobejana, who led this morning, May 13, the unveiling of shrine of Medal of Valor posthumous awardee Marine 1Lt. Lolinato To-ong Sr. in Brgy. Cabacungan, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, said that all AFP activities will be under the direction of National Task Force West Philippines Sea (NTF-WPS).
The AFP will only contribute naval and air assets for maritime patrol in both surface and air, Sobejana said.
NTF-WPS reported on Wednesday, May 12, that 287 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels were back inside the West Philippine Sea and the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ). –GB
