MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said it will maintain its deployment of forces in the West Philippine Sea as China increases its harassment through boat-ramming and the use of flares against aircraft.

Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP deputy chief of staff, said Manila will persist in asserting its rights in the face of Beijing’s continued belligerence.

“Sa West Philippine Sea naman, we continue to deploy our forces – ‘yong ating mga navy, ‘yong ating air force – in that area to show that we really own that area. Kahit ano namang nagyayari doon na incidents, we continue to do our missions there,” Gaerlan said.

READ: US, Japan call out China's use of flares against BFAR plane

The AFP official also called on the international community to support the Philippines’ claims.

Gaerlan on Sunday graced the motorcycle ride activity from Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, aimed at generating public support to enhance awareness from both international and national communities about the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The event, dubbed “Ride for West Philippine Sea: Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future,” was spearheaded by Breakfast Ride Community.

About 500 soldiers and riders joined the event.

“It’s an advocacy to our people to support our quest in the West Philippine Sea, to have peaceful seas without conflict and ensure that we have a rules-based international order,” Gaerlan said.

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