MANILA, Philippines — A total of 348 “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities” from China have been reported throughout the year amid the West Philippine Sea dispute, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. 

In the 2nd and last Joint National Peace and Order Council-Regional Peace and Order Councils meeting in 2024, the official also reported that an average of 336 Chinese vessels were observed daily in the West Philippine Sea throughout October 2024.

Despite this, the Philippines will continue to “non-escalatory” approach in the West Philippine Sea, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Marcos said the country doesn’t need Navy warships despite the aggression from Chinese authorities.

“We don’t need Navy warships. All we are doing is resupplying our fishermen, protecting our territorial rights,” he said.

China has been very aggressive in claiming most of the West Philippine Sea despite the 2016 arbitral award legitimizing the claim of the Philippines in the maritime area. However, Beijing dismissed the ruling and established its presence for years, harassing Filipino fishermen and authorities stationed in the area.

Earlier this month, Marcos also condemned the presence of a Russian attack submarine in the contested waters, saying any intrusion into the West Philippine Sea is “very worrisome.”

The sub was first seen 80 nautical miles west off Occidental Mindoro last November 28.