There is only ONE word to describe what is in the mind of a major power that amasses a fleet of 44 military vessels to play goalkeeper in a small atoll against a squadron of wooden fishing boats manned by civilians- FEAR
We had a glimpse of the richness of the sea when our fishermen-companions cast their net and came up with a substantial catch.
The determination of Filipinos to assert their rights over Bajo de Masinloc, popularly known as Scarborough Shoal despite the presence of several Chinese vessels including that of Chinese Coast Guard.
A video on YouTube claims that the Philippines, Australia, Japan and the United States have banded together to attack Chinese forces in the West Philippine Sea. This is not true.
A video circulating on Facebook spliced clips to claim that the United States and the Philippines tore down a China Coast Guard vessel in the South China Sea.
Itinanggi ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na meron silang "gentlemen's agreement" ni Xi Jinping, ang pinuno ng China, tungkol sa Ayungin Shoal.
Tinanong si US ambassador to China Nicholas Burns tungkol sa "estratehikong layunin" ng Beijing sa patuloy na pagtaas ng pressure nito sa Pilipinas sa pinagtatalunang South China Sea at "kung hanggang saan ang kanilang gagawin sa pagsubok sa kagustuhan ng U.S." na ipagtanggol ang dating kolonya nito.
This special report was produced under VERA Files’ project on enhancing the media’s capability to raise public awareness of the situation in the South China Sea, funded by the Government of Canada through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. #CanadaFundPH #Together75A different version of this report has appeared in the Manila Standard on Feb. 1, 2024.
For Tabios and Cuaresma, and thousands of other fishermen in this province, the WPS dispute is not just about fighting for our territorial rights but also fighting for their livelihood. (This special report was produced under VERA Files’ project on enhancing the media’s capability to raise public awareness of the situation in the South China Sea, funded by the Government of Canada through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. #CanadaFundPH )
"I was a bit disappointed with the decision to turn back. So were the other volunteers. But the incident all the more strengthened their commitment to defend the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea." Read Palawan News reporter Gerald Ticke's first-hand account of his experience joining a Christmas caravan to Lawak Island in the West Philippine Sea. (This special report was produced under VERA Files’ project on enhancing the media’s capability to raise public awareness of the situation in the South China Sea, funded by the Government of Canada through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. #CanadaFundPH )
