AFP to build more structures in WPS features

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is continuing the construction and enhancement of structures in Philippine-held features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a press briefing, AFP spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said, “We have been doing improvements, enhancements, development, repair, and fortification to ensure that these islands will be able to support any deployed troops and the local community, Kalayaan community on Pag-asa Island.”

Initially, structures were built on Pagasa Island, and similar projects will expand to other WPS features, according to Trinidad.

“We have initiated the repair of structures and facilities on Pag-asa Island recently. This will also involve the other features of the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad said.

“As to the percentage of completion, I will have to give you a more detailed report on where we are right now. But rest assured, yes, we have received funds for that and the enhancements are ongoing,” he added.

Trinidad pointed out that the Philippines has “absolute sovereignty and complete jurisdiction” over the Philippine-occupied features in the WPS.

“Any repair, construction, enhancement, or development that we do on these features are all within our legal rights. We do not need to seek the permission of any country, more so one that has illegally intruded into and continues to be in our maritime zones,” he said.

“These are all designed to support the people living on the islands and our troops deployed therein,” he added.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country’s claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. —VAL, GMA News