Manila, June 6 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday conducted a routine patrol and communication check on Kota Island, a Philippine-held feature in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This is part of its ongoing maritime patrol operations in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) to ensure security, assert sovereignty, and boost troop morale in the WPS, the military said in a news release.

The operation in Kota island was conducted by personnel aboard the Navy offshore patrol vessel, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), the AFP said.

This feature has strategic and symbolic significance in the WPS.

"The patrol included a communication and coordination check with stationed personnel-an essential measure to ensure operational readiness an...