Hontiveros seeks probe into possible collusion of Pinoys in building China's artificial islands

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday sought a Senate investigation into the possibility that Filipinos are involved in building China's artificial islands and military installations in the West Philippine Sea.

In filing Resolution No. 509, the opposition senator stressed that the construction materials for these facilities in the disputed waters "appears" to have been taken from the Philippines.

The island-building activities of the Asian superpower involves extensive dredging and reclamation around Philippine territories including Panatag Shoal, and the reefs of Panganiban, Kagitingan, Calderon, Burgos, Mabini, Hughes, and Zamora, according to Hontiveros.

She said these activities would be impossible "without the acts of collusion and collaboration by Filipinos and domestic corporations including, but not limited to, the mining companies responsible for extracting and transporting soil, sand, and aggregates."

Acts inimical to national security must be prevented and Filipinos colluding with foreign powers to allegedly militarize the West Philippine Sea must be penalized, the senator said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. recently said he would recommend the termination of contracts of the Philippines with Chinese firms involved in the artificial island-building in the disputed territories in the South China Sea.

He also warned Beijing to "expect the worst" should its military drills spill over to Philippine waters. —KG, GMA News