As tensions with China escalate, the Philippines is ramping up surveillance in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

On February 20, the country’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) deployed two aircraft for a maritime domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group.

“In response to recent aggressive maneuvers by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the BFAR and the PCG conducted a maritime domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group in the WPS this morning,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said on Viber Thursday night, February 20.

Tarriela said the Filipino pilots spotted a China Coast Guard vessel with bow number 5101 and more than 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels near Pagasa Island, as well as six others near Rozul Reef during the operation.

“Throughout the flight, the BFAR aircraft consistently challenged the illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces encountered,” he said.

The surveillance flight follows a recent incident in which a Chinese military helicopter flew as close as three meters to a Philippine aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc, creating turbulence with its propeller wash. 

This incident adds to a series of Chinese hostilities, including military-grade laser targeting, water cannon attacks, and boat collisions.

Filipino groups push for WPS education to counter disinformation

Amid rising tensions, Filipino groups are calling for a long-term solution: Education.

During a press conference on the West Philippine Sea on February 20, Akbayan Partylist and the Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to include WPS topics in the basic education curriculum to combat disinformation from pro-China groups.

“Instead of defending our sovereignty, fishers, and frontliners, they peddle disinformation that undermines the legal and historical foundations of the West Philippine Sea, emboldening China’s aggression and weakening our national resolve,” Akbayan said, referring to pro-China political candidates.

The groups proposed an executive order requiring the inclusion of WPS topics in geography and history classes, the establishment of a WPS Institute for research and education, and the declaration of a national holiday commemorating the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory against China.

“At a time when China’s aggression is no longer limited to our seas and skies, and is further worsened by the prevalence of fake news and disinformation on social media, the government must proactively push back with education,” said Akbayan First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno.

“It is important to teach the history and geography of the West Philippine Sea in schools so that it would be instilled in us that the region is ours,” he added.

Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio attended the event, where he outlined the historical and legal basis of the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea.

Furthermore, the groups warned the public about pro-China politicians in the upcoming elections, claiming these candidates receive financial backing from Beijing to serve its interests.

“The stakes in this election are high, with our sovereignty, dignity, and national future at risk,” Akbayan stressed, urging Filipinos to “vote for the West Philippine Sea by electing leaders who will protect our territorial integrity and rejecting candidates who will compromise it for foreign interests.”

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña also underscored the need to commemorate the Philippines’ 2016 Arbitral Tribunal victory. He filed House Resolution No. 2234, which seeks to declare July 12 as “National West Philippine Sea Victory Day”.

In recent years, China has asserted claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea, despite a 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its claims. Beijing continues to reject the decision.

As confrontations persist, advocates emphasize the urgency of both immediate action and long-term national awareness.

Engaging youth in WPS awareness

Meanwhile, the National Youth Commission (NYC) is enlisting young Filipinos and student leaders in a program to expose them to the realities of the West Philippine Sea.

On February 18, NYC Chairman Joseph Francisco Ortega signed a partnership with PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and Philippine Information Agency Director General Katherine de Castro in Manila. The collaboration aims to raise awareness and strengthen the country’s stance on the West Philippine Sea.

Ortega emphasized the need to educate young Filipinos through seminars on basic life support, water safety, and rescue. He also proposed immersion activities that would bring students and youth leaders to Pagasa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.

The commission noted that many young Filipinos lack a full understanding of the WPS issue, stressing that firsthand exposure will help instill national awareness and a sense of responsibility.

Photo credit: Akbayan Partylist. Akbayan Party-list holds a press conference on the West Philippine Sea in Manila on February 20, 2025. Among the guests are retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio (third from left), Akbayan Party-list nominees Atty. Chel Diokno (third from right) and Rep. Perci Cendaña (second from left), and Atin Ito Co-Convenors Rafaela David (second from right) and Edicio Dela Torre (right).