Relentless efforts to safeguard West Philippine Sea, rules-based order

When one thinks of Filipino values, the concept of "bayanihan" easily comes to mind. In English, this loosely translates to working together to accomplish a difficult task. It is normally depicted as a community carrying the nipa hut of one of its members to transfer it to a different location. Bayanihan is a manifestation of unity, resilience, and the high regard that community members have for one another.

In the context of the West Philippine Sea, this concept can vividly be seen through the whole-of-society approach being implemented by the current administration. This is portrayed in two ways: in the country’s national initiatives, and in its engagements with like-minded partners that hold international law in the same regard.

At the national level, both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard remain steadfast in their efforts to perform their mandate of protecting Filipinos and defending the state against the illegal and aggressive behavior of foreign actors. 

Filipino authorities continue to monitor, publicize and address incidents at sea, particularly the presence of foreign vessels in Philippine territory.

On August 6, the AFP reported that the number of Chinese vessels including maritime militia vessels, China Coast Guard ships, and People’s Liberation Army Navy ships increased. A total of 122 vessels were present in various features of the West Philippine Sea -- Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Pagasa Island, Lawak Island, Panata Island, Patag Island, Sabina Shoal, Julian Felipe Reef, and Iroquois Reef -- from July 30 to August 5. 

Moreover, the Philippine Navy confirmed that China continues to build artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea despite the legally binding nature of the arbitral award to all parties. More than 3,000 hectares have been reclaimed across various features, with the latest in Zamora Reef.

These artificial islands, classified by the Permanent Court of Arbitration as rocks, low tide, and high tide elevations, now feature military structures, airstrips, and other facilities. China’s ‘monster ship’ on Escoda Shoal is also being closely monitored by the Philippines.

These activities are illegal.  They