Philippine presence in WPS beefed up

THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen the country’s presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following increased Chinese activity close to Pag-asa Island. In a statement released by its spokesman and public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong, the DND said any encroachment in West Philippine Sea or reclamation work on the features in the area is a threat to the security of Pag-asa Island, which is part of Philippine territory. “It also endangers the marine environment and undermines the stability of the region,” the DND said. It urged China…