Zarate rallies other countries to join gov’t in patrolling West PHL Sea

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Zarate on Tuesday called on other countries affected by Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea to join forces with the Philippines in patrolling the area.

Zarate made the call after the militarization of the West Philippine Sea has intensified, following the installation of Chinese anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems on three reefs in the area.

“The setting up of missile systems and the establishment of Chinese military bases in the West Philippine Sea is very alarming and we must act immediately before our remaining territories are lost," Zarate said in a statement.

“It is also very important for now that we should  push for the conduct of joint patrols with other affected countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei because this can become a bigger deterrent to China's plans,” he added.

Instead of justifying the actions of China in the area, Zarate said the Philippine government should rally other countries to condemn these acts.

“China’s plans and actions are further aggravating the tension in the region and they should stop it. In February 2016, they set up surface to air missile launchers in Woody Island, which is part of the Paracels claimed by Vietnam, now they installed missile systems in the areas claimed by the Philippines, if left unquestioned China may deploy missiles in Philippine territory,” he said.

“The international community should now step in so as to de-escalate tensions and demilitarize the area, especially since the international arbitral tribunal at The Hague, decided in favor of the Phillipines on the West Philippines Sea issue,” he added.

Zarate said China has claimed at least seven reefs of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, including Panganiban (Mischief), Zamora (Subi), Mabini (Johnson South), Gavin (Gaven), Calderon (Cuarteron), Hughes (Kennan), Malvar (Eldad) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross).

The Philippine government likewise cannot rely on the US to put China in check, as it is only interested in ensuring its passage into the West Philippine Sea without hindrance, he said.

“As long as the interest of the US is satisfied, it will just mouth motherhood statements on defending the Philippines but will not act  to counter China,” Zarate said.

“What we need now is to make a stand while relying mainly on our own strength and  at the same time broaden our ranks here and abroad through a broad alliance to protect Philippine interests against China’s aggressive actions,” he added. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News