China really has no shame in militarizing the West Philippine Sea despite the July 2016 ruling of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, acting as if the disputed territory is rightfully theirs.
I keep on wondering what could probably be the reason behind President Duterte’s soft stance on this matter. It is safe to suppose that relevant information is too critical to be divulged.
The officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are being called on by the public to perform their constitutional mandate. But they also believe that territorial dispute should be solved peacefully and self-restraint must be exercised in the conduct of activities to avoid complication or escalation of disputes.
So, together, let us call on China to stop reclamation activities and be mindful of its responsibilities as a claimant state and an important member of the international community. We wish we could do more, but for now, that is the wisest thing to do.
BARBARA DIAZ, barbaraa.days@gmail.com