Protect the 'contested water': PCG Cornelio

Rear Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Arturo Cornelio faced the media to further explain the possible outcomes of the ongoing issue with the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in a presscon on Tuesday (December 10, 2024) at Bolbok Integrated National High School.

With regards to this issue, Admiral Cornelio described the West Philippine Sea as “contested water.” He explained that China has been “claiming” the WPS as “South China Sea" since the time after World War 2.

The continuous banter within the two countries (Philippines and China), concerned not just the countries involved, but also the countries around them. He specifically stated the Southeast Asian nations, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei were affected by this issue.

“The issue within the West Philippine Sea is not just a matter for the countries involved, but a global concern,” Cornelio concluded in his statement.

“The West Philippine Sea is a sensitive and complex issue,” he added. He furtherly described it as a geopolitical, economic, and significant environmental issue that affects the lives of many Filipinos.

China has been incorporating “militarization” to the sea, leading to exploitation and destruction of its natural resources and rich maritime biodiversity. 

Admiral Cornelio lastly stated that Filipinos should further approach this issue in the most diplomatic way through meaningful dialogue, not resulting in any war.