The Philippines is looking at several options to strengthen its hold on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea including refurbishing a grounded and rusting warship it uses as a military outpost. Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Chief of the Philippine Western Command, said this during a joint news conference with the military chief, Romeo Brawner. 

The Philippines intentionally grounded the World War Two-era warship Sierra Madre in 1999 as part of its sovereignty claim to the Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within its exclusive economic zone, and rotates a handful of troops through the ship. China has urged the Philippines to fulfill a promise to tow away the grounded vessel, but Manila denied striking any agreement to abandon the shoal, which it calls Ayungin.