August 8, 2023
Likening the incident to a “David vs Goliath situation”, a senior Philippine National Security Council official said China’s increased presence will not deter the Philippines’ resolve to protect its position.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela (left), National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya (center), and Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar speak to the press during a news conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila on Aug 7, 2023. PHOTO: REUTERS/THE JAKARTA POST