Grande, Chiquita strategic with clear sight of Subic Bay, expert says

Two of the three strategic islands being eyed for development by some Chinese investors—Grande and Chiquita—have a clear view of Subic Bay.

According to Anthony Esguerra's report on Stand for Truth, maritime expert Professor Jay Batongbacal said this made surveillance of the former US naval facility possible.

"Literally they can see everything that is happening in Subic Bay and every vessel that passes through these straits of Luzon between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean," Batongbacal said.

So napakahalaga noon, 'yung mismong, 'yung surveillance value pa lang niya sobra talagang laki," he added.

An island resort in Grande has some historic structures and greenery.

This island has been tapped by both American and Spaniard troops as a defense point because of its strategic location.

Four of the six cannons previously used by the Americans for defense were still there.

An old building that has served as a medical facility for American forces was still standing.

According to a separate report by JP Soriano in GMA News TV's Quick Response Team, the Grande and Chiquita Islands are being leased by the SBMA to various investors since 2002.

The SBMA said that it has already "placed on hold a proposal by a Chinese-owned company to develop and operate two strategically located islands at the mouth of Subic Bay."

"It's true that a group of Chinese investors wanted to take effective control of the islands to further develop them as tourism destinations, but we saw some problems about the proposed activities," it added.

A resolution filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros seeks to launch a probe on the matter.

The resolution stated that the SBMA entered into an agreement with GFTG Property Holdings and the Sanya CEDF Sino-Philippine Investment Corp for the development of the Grande and Chiquita Islands.

It added that Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, on the other hand, signed a memorandum of understanding with Xiamen-based Fong Zhi Enterprise Corp for the development of a $2 billion “Smart City” on Fuga Island in the Babuyan archipelago.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said supposed plans to allow Chinese investors to develop the three strategic islands could "compromise" the country's security."

There's no doubt that these island features has or have strategic security impacts on us if these were to fall into the hands of other people. They have a strategic importance for our defense," AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said.

"While we approve of our economy getting a boost... we should also consider the security aspect that may be compromised if we fail to adequately study the implications of leasing these to foreigners," he added. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News