BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
As 2025 begins, the Philippine Coast Guard has repeatedly intercepted Chinese Coast Guard vessels sailing within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
One of the most attention-grabbing incidents was the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard Vessel 5901, dubbed the “Monster Ship,” which was recently spotted off the coast of Zambales this January.
Despite this, Philippine vessels stood their ground in challenging the intrusions.
Scenes like these are almost a daily sight in the news or on social media for Richard.
However, despite the ongoing tension, he cannot help but worry that the situation might escalate further.
Because of this, he has a request for the government.
To put an end to the harassment and intrusion of China into Philippine territory, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a challenge to China.
So far, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not responded to this statement.
Despite this, the President remains firm in asserting the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea.
To ensure better monitoring of the West Philippine Sea, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino proposed the creation of a new AFP command dedicated to the region.
This would be called the West Philippine Sea Command.
He clarified that this would be separate from the Western Command (WESCOM), which covers contested areas such as Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, and the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), which has jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc.
The senator is set to write to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to formally endorse this proposal.
One of his key suggestions is that the command should be led by a Philippine Navy Admiral to ensure a strong and secure defense of the West Philippine Sea.
