CEBU CITY – More than 100 people attended a forum in Cebu City about the Philippines’ historical claims on the scattered islands on West Philippine Sea also known as the South China Sea which is now being occupied by China and other nations.
The forum – jointly conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Information Agency – was part of a series of information drive launched by the Aquino government in an effort to further bolster the country’s claims on the area which is believed to be rich in natural gas and oil.
Organizers said the objective of the forum is to raise awareness among Filipinos on the issue and to get public support for policies and actions of the government in addressing the issues pose by claimants in West Philippine Sea.
Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, commander of the military’s Central Command, said there is tension in the West Philippine Sea which the Filipinos need to be aware of. “It is no longer a domestic problem, but it has become a global problem. We have to know the historical facts and also our historical rights,” Vivar said.
The 3,500-square kilometer area west of the Philippines was then called South China Sea until the issuance of Administrative Order 29 by President Aquino in 2012 officially naming it as West Philippine Sea.
During the forum, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Charles Jose also explained the historical background of the tension in West Philippine Sea.
“We have to raise awareness and gain support of the people on the current moves of the government in addressing the problem,” Jose said, adding China’s claim over the territory and its aggressive behavior are just some of the concerns raised by the Aquino government.
He said China and the rest of the claimants used to “co-exist quietly” until 2009 when Beijing submitted a map showing a nine-dash line which had enclosed the territories in the entire South China Sea.
“China’s claim has been excessive, expansive and no basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Jose said.
He said they recorded several instances of China’s aggression, including its establishment of Sensha City, which is a sign of administering powers over the entire region and the barring of logistics to soldiers guarding the Scarborough Shoal. Jose said the Philippines is now awaiting the result of an arbitration filed at the United Nations. (Ferliza Contratista)
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