FILE PHOTO/Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to file another diplomatic protest following an increase in Chinese vessels observed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in March.

Estrada described the presence as “unacceptable and deeply concerning,” noting that the buildup of Chinese vessels comes amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to immediately file a diplomatic protest against these deliberate, illegal, and unprofessional actions,” Estrada said in a statement.

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Estrada also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to intensify surveillance in the WPS.

The senator then noted that the long-disputed WPS has untapped oil and gas resources, adding, “Any attempt to exploit the situation—at a time when global attention is focused on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East—not only undermines our sovereignty, but also threatens regional security and the rules-based international order.”

“We must not lose sight of the need to respond with firmness and resolve to China’s provocative action,” Estrada pressed.

Inquirer has reached out to the DFA for comment, but it has yet to respond.

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The DFA previously said it has filed over 200 diplomatic protests against China for its aggressions since 2022.

On Tuesday, Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad reported that almost 90 Chinese vessels were logged in March.

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He called these moves “deliberate” and an attempt to “take advantage of the focus of the international community in the Middle East.”

Despite the international arbitral ruling in 2016 invalidating China’s territorial claim over most of the West Philippine Sea, its government has continued to dismiss the decision.

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In an effort to assert the Philippines’ claim, Executive Order No. 111, granting official Philippine names of 131 features in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the WPS, was signed.

Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Sen. Erwin Tulfo called this development “an important step in reinforcing our sovereign rights.”

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“This initiative further solidifies KIG’s identity as an integral part of Philippine territory and bolsters our collective efforts to develop the island group,” Tulfo noted. /dl

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