DFA: 39 diplomatic protests lodged vs. China's actions in WPS in 2026

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday reported that it has so far lodged 39 diplomatic protests against China's actions in the West Philippine Sea in 2026.

DFA spokesperson for maritime affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Regelio Villanueva Jr. made the report 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," he added.

When asked about the changes brought by the diplomatic protests, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said she observed fewer incidents from 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 in the same hearing.

"Although we know very well that our defense establishments have always been citing also the Chinese military vessels," she added.

Villanueva said the DFA is coordinating with the country's security agencies in addressing the issues in the West Philippine Sea.

"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," Villanueva said.

"So all these things will factor in. This is not to say that we expect to see immediate results because we have to be patient. We have to take time," he added.

On Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said 56 Chinese vessels have been monitored in some of the West Philippine Sea features in August 2026.

These features are the following:

• Ayungin Shoal – 18 Chinese vessels (17 CCGs one PLAN)
• Bajo de Masinloc – 23 (14 CCGs nine PLANs)
• Escoda Shoal – nine (five CCGs four PLANs)
• Pag-asa Islands – six (five CCGs, one PLAN)

This was higher compared to the 48 Chinese ships seen in the disputed area in July 2026.

Meanwhile, AFP reported that China has yet to compensate the Filipino sailor who lost a finger during a 2024 incident in the West Philippine Sea.

It added that the serviceman received support only from individuals, civil society groups and the private sector in the Philippines following the incident.

On June 17, 2024, Philippine Navy Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo lost his right thumb after China vessels collided with Philippine boats while the AFP was conducting a rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. —LDF, GMA News