Inquirer Report Identifies Options for PH in West Philippine Sea

Screengrab from Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Pressreader account.

CHEERS TO the Philippine Daily Inquirer for a well-rounded report on the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea involving the installation of missile systems. Such coverage moves forward on the issue as it presents what the government should be doing about the development.

US-based network CNBC first reported on May 2 that according to recent intelligence, China has installed anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles in Kagitingan, Zamora and Panganiban Reefs (international name Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief, respectively) in the Spratlys, further increasing militarization within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Inquirer’s report on May 5 cited CNBC, along with security experts, legal luminaries and lawmakers, discussing implications of the installation and recommended measures for the Philippines to undertake (“US warns China over missiles deployed on 3 PH reefs“).

Alexander Neill, Shangri-la Dialogue senior fellow for Asia-Pacific security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, clarified the nature of the threat to Philippine sovereignty and security: “In practice, China now has the capability to deny the Philippines access in the air or at sea to the islands and reefs it claims.”

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and maritime expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal agreed that the Philippines should file a formal protest against the missile deployment. Carpio said that China reneged on its promise to former US President Barack Obama that it will not militarize the artificial islands. Additionally, Hilbay and Batongbacal mentioned the option of alliances with neighboring countries with whom the Philippines has common interests.

Senators Gringo Honasan and Ralph Recto shared the same opinion, saying the Philippine government should rally support from allies with whom it has security agreements. Recto, in particular, said Duterte should use his warm relationship with China as leverage to convince the country to cease its militarization.

Inquirer did well in tracking China’s activities and providing expert insights, continuing its commendable reportage of the issue (See: “Inquirer Photos Cannot Lie”; “Plane-Spotting: Photos to Keep Tabs on China’s Incursion in PH Waters”).