Philippines to reactivate West Philippine Sea marine research center –Esperon

The Philippines will boost its marine research efforts in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said on Friday.

In a press conference, Esperon, who chairs the National Task Force WPS, said more research vessels were procured by the UP Marine Science Institute that will be added to the government's naval assets.

“We are also now reactivating our marine research center in Pagasa Island,” he said.

Esperon added that the Philippines might cooperate with other countries in marine research to better study and protect the West Philippine Sea.

He said that the Philippines will start cooperation with ASEAN members first.

More vessels from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, among others, will be deployed in the WPS in 2022.

He also noted several government infrastructure projects, such as ports and airfields, would be built close to the West Philippine Sea.

In June, it was reported that Armed Forces of the Philippines officials visited Pag-asa Island in preparation for the construction of a logistics hub in the area.

The Philippines previously protested China's continued presence and deployment of vessels in the WPS.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its expansive claim before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Philippines won the case in a landmark award in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions.

China has since rejected the ruling, saying its claims have a historical basis and are “indisputable.” — DVM, GMA News