Philippine Coast Guard Bolsters Presence in West Philippine Sea Amid Ongoing Disputes

MANILA, Philippines — Over the past 24 hours, the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has seen continued activity as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained its patrols to assert the country’s maritime rights, according to recent reports. The PCG’s operations come in response to persistent Chinese maritime activities within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), particularly around contested areas like Scarborough Shoal and Pag-asa Island. These patrols aim to protect Filipino fishermen and ensure a Philippine presence in the disputed waters, a critical stance in the face of China’s ongoing territorial assertions.

On July 2, 2025, at approximately 8:50 AM PhST, the PCG reported regular patrols near Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground for Filipinos. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, emphasized the patrols’ role in upholding Philippine sovereignty, stating, “Our presence ensures that our fishermen can operate without intimidation.” This follows a pattern of Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels engaging in aggressive maneuvers, including water cannon attacks and blockades, as documented in recent incidents. The PCG’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to counter China’s maritime militia, which has been swarming areas like Rozul Reef, located 113 nautical miles off Palawan, within the Philippine EEZ (GMA News, 2025).

International support for the Philippines remains evident. A post on X by ABS-CBN News at 8:50 AM PhST reported that the USS George Washington, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, conducted patrols in the WPS, signaling continued American backing for its treaty ally. This follows joint maritime exercises involving the Philippines, the U.S., Japan, and Australia, aimed at countering China’s expansive claims, which were invalidated by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling (Manila Bulletin, 2024). The ruling, upheld by nations like Australia, continues to be ignored by Beijing, prompting diplomatic protests from Manila.

No new incidents of direct confrontation were reported in the last 24 hours, but the PCG remains vigilant. A recent defense pact with Lithuania, signed on June 30, 2025, underscores Manila’s alliance-building efforts to address WPS challenges (Inquirer.net, 2025). The agreement highlights shared concerns over aggressive maritime tactics, drawing parallels between Chinese actions in the WPS and Russian maneuvers elsewhere. Meanwhile, China’s maritime patrols have doubled around Scarborough Shoal, with Stanford University’s SeaLight program noting an expanded exclusion zone keeping Philippine vessels at bay (Manila Times, 2025).

The Philippine government, under President Marcos, continues to prioritize diplomatic and legal avenues to assert its rights, though domestic critics, including Vice President Sara Duterte, have called for neutrality in the U.S.-China rivalry (Philstar.com, 2025). Despite these debates, the PCG’s steadfast patrols reflect Manila’s resolve to protect its maritime interests.

References
GMA News. (2025, June 19). PCG: Chinese maritime militia ‘swarming’ Rozul Reef. GMA News Online.
Inquirer.net. (2025, June 30). Philippines, Lithuania sign defense pact amid West PH Sea challenges. Inquirer.net.
Manila Bulletin. (2024, April 5). Philippines, US, Japan, Australia to hold joint maritime activity in WPS. X Post.
Manila Times. (2025, June 29). China tightens grip on Panatag Shoal. Manila Times.
Philstar.com. (2025, June 25). VP’s comments on West Philippines Sea a betrayal of public trust. Philstar.com.