By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Philippine government should conduct joint patrols with the United States and other like-minded states to protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and prevent China from building artificial islands.
This was proposed on Tuesday (14 May 2024) by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio who also urged the government to sue China anew, this time for damages due to the destruction of Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef.
“Kasi kapag hindi natin bantayan ‘yan, papasok ‘yung mga maritime militia at magtatayo sila ng panibagong isla diyan,” Carpio said in in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
He pointed out that Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The retired magistrate also called on the Marcos administration to sue China for marine destruction in WPS.
“The next arbitration case that we are recommending is for the following purposes: one, to sue China for damages kasi sinira nila yung Escoda Shoal tsaka (and Rozul Reef,” Carpio said.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela earlier said the dumping of crushed corals near the shoal may be in preparation for China’s reclamation activities.
Escoda Shoal is much closer to Palawan than the contested Ayungin Shoal.
(el Amigo/MNM)
