WPS controversy
THE Filipino people, including ordinary citizens, cheered as government authorities managed to drive away Chinese ships off Sabina Shoal in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Even Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, chair of the powerful Senate committee on national defense, commended the military and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for watching over the area.
Citing reports from the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Senator Lacson noted that seven Chinese militia vessels were spotted late April at the vicinity of Sabina Shoal.
Lacson said the Chinese vessels at the shoal, which is just 130 nautical miles west of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, dispersed after a series of challenges from the PCG ships.
He said Filipinos should not lower their guard, noting that since the 1990s, the Chinese have already made three incursions into our resources-rich exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
These are at the Scarborough Shoal, Panatag Shoal and now, Julian Felipe Reef. The Chinese are likely to do so again “if we relax,” according to the police general-turned-senator.
The Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PCG, he said, must continue to watch over the Sabina Shoal.
Lacson also reiterated that in the case of the WPS, the Filipino people must speak out “of what we and our future generations will lose if we allow the situation there to continue.”
Of course, we share the view of the senator from Cavite that the people, majority of whom are independent-minded, may have something to contribute to our national interest.
We agree with well-meaning Pinoys that everybody must resist any attempt by foreigners to get an “inch” of our national territory not only in the West Philippine Sea but elsewhere.
