Structures on Subi (Zamora) Reef
MANILA, Philippines — Some of the structures in the West Philippine Sea, as seen in the latest photos reported by the media, “seem to indicate” that China recently constructed them, Philippine defense officials told senators.
The photographs taken by Getty Images photojournalist Ezra Acayan were shown by Senator JV Ejercito in the Senate plenary late Thursday night while they were deliberating on the 2023 budget of the Department of National Defense (DND).
“These infrastructures built by China are not new, but the photos seem to indicate that some of the facilities have been constructed recently so that’s confirmed, Mr. President, Your Honor,” Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said, quoting defense officials present in the session hall.
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According to Dela Rosa, the DND has consistently monitored the developments in the area through legitimate aerial and maritime sovereignty patrols by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The information that we gather in these patrols support the government’s diplomatic protests against activities that violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West PH Sea,” the senator said.
This confirmation from the defense officials alarmed Ejercito, who asked about the real situation in the disputed territory.
“In this case, it’s really alarming already,” he said. “As far I can remember there’s already an agreement that there will be no more additional infrastructure or reclamation but unfortunately I think China did not really honor that agreement.”
Ejercito and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri likened the disputed area with China-built structures to a resort or a mini city.
“Parang resort,” Zubiri commented while Ejercito was showing the images at the session hall.
“Parang mini city na rin,” Ejercito added.
Zubiri later explained that some of the structures in the photos are high-tech radar systems that can detect aircraft even hundreds of miles away.
“Obviously, they are preparing for something,” the Senate leader added.
Ejercito and other senators urged for AFP modernization to safeguard the nation and its sovereignty.