December 6, 2024
MANILA – A public policy center sounded the alarm over “increasing foreign military presence” in Philippine seas, prompting a call for a shift in the country’s foreign policy.
The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expressed its concern in a statement following the surfacing of a Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea and reports of a planned U.S. naval base in Misamis Oriental.
“The growing militarization of the Philippine seas is a clear threat to our sovereignty and national security. Our country is being drawn into the geopolitical rivalries of global powers, and the people of the Philippines stand to lose the most in this dangerous game of chess. We must not allow foreign military forces, whether from Russia, the United States, or China, to undermine our territorial integrity,” said CenPEG Chairperson Roland Simbulan on Tuesday.
READ: West PH Sea: PCG reports more harassment by Chinese vessels in Escoda
According to Simbulan, the presence of foreign military forces does not contribute to peace or stability as it only contributes to the rising tensions and undermines the government’s national interest.
This then prompted CenPEG to renew its call for an improved foreign policy, particularly one that is truly “independent and grounded” in principles of the Philippine Constitution.
“It is crucial that we prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people over foreign military agendas. Instead of investing in foreign-backed military projects, such as the proposed U.S. military base in Misamis Oriental, the Philippines should focus on addressing the dire issues that affect our citizens, such as the worsening economic crisis, poverty, unemployment, and the high cost of living,” said Simbulan.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself said he views the reported sighting of a Russian attack submarine in the West Philippine Sea as “worrisome.”
READ: West PH Sea: Marcos says Russian submarine sighting ‘very worrisome’
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has confirmed that a Russian attack submarine identified as UFA 490 was sighted 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro.
It said the Philippine Navy immediately deployed assets to monitor and address the situation, ensuring the security of Philippine waters.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government earlier announced plans to construct a military base in Misamis Oriental as part of its enhanced defense cooperation agreement with the United States.
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