Philippine President Benigno Aquino vowed on Tuesday a stronger military defence of his country’s South China Sea claims as the navy’s newest warship sailed into Manila Bay from the United States. “This ship symbolises our newly acquired ability to guard, protect, and if necessary, fight for the interests of our country,” Aquino said as the refurbished Hamilton-class cutter Gregorio del Pilar dropped anchor. “This is just the beginning. Expect more good news because we will not stop at one ship.”
