A TOP military official underscored the need to upgrade the four areas in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where Philippine troops are stationed, a move that would further reinforce the country's response against the increasingly aggressive posturing by China in the disputed waters.

Following a visit to the headquarters of the Western Command, which has jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. vowed to improve the facilities in all military posts in the area. Brawner's visit comes days after a Chinese coast guard ship fired a water cannon at a Philippine boat bringing supplies to Marines stationed at Ayungin Shoal last August 5.