At last, the only rational policy for our disputes in the Spratlys: Fortify our islands and reefs there!

By Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Jun 01, 2018 12:09 am

The policy announced in 2017 (right) and its implementation, or at least its start. Photo at right shows the grounded, rusting ship that has served since 1999 as our outpost at Ayungin Reef.

Purportedly to deter the Chinese from occupying Ayungin Reef near Mischief, President Estrada in 1999 ordered a World War 2 vintage ship to be grounded there, manned by a platoon of Marines, to serve as our outpost. That was the most that we did to fortify what we claim in the Spratlys.

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