Philippines lodges 39 diplomatic protests vs. China's actions in WPS in 2026

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that it has lodged 39 diplomatic protests against China's actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) this year, 2026. Deputy Assistant Secretary Regelio Villanueva Jr., DFA spokesperson for maritime affairs, revealed this during the agency's budget deliberation at the House of Representatives. "From 2026 this year, we have already issued 39 protests. And from 2022 to 2026, the total number of diplomatic protests that we have issued stands at 296 already," Villanueva stated. When asked about the impact of these protests, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro noted a perceived decrease in certain aggressive actions by China. "The only change that I can cite right now is that the incidents that have happened in the past, the water cannoning, the laser, I think it has sort of decreased, and therefore these are the significant changes," Lazaro said. She also acknowledged that military activities by China remain a concern, adding, "Although we know very well that our defense establishments have always been citing also the Chinese military vessels." Villanueva emphasized that the DFA is coordinating with national security agencies to address WPS issues. "We have to understand also that results on the ground may take time because while diplomacy is the bigger tool in the government's toolbox, we have to work in tandem with other government agencies, particularly our security agencies, our National Maritime Council, because this is a whole-of-government effort," he explained, stressing the need for patience as immediate results are not expected. Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported monitoring 56 Chinese vessels in several features of the WPS in August 2026. These included 18 vessels at Ayungin Shoal, 23 at Bajo de Masinloc, nine at Escoda Shoal, and six at Pag-asa Islands. This number is higher than the 48 Chinese ships observed in July 2026. Meanwhile, the AFP also reported that China has yet to compensate a Filipino sailor who lost a finger in an incident in the WPS in 2024. On June 17, 2024, Philippine Navy Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo lost his right thumb after Chinese vessels collided with Philippine boats during a rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. Facundo has reportedly received support only from individuals, civil society groups, and the private sector in the Philippines.