China reclaiming 7 islands in Spratlys

MANILA, Philippines - China is conducting reclamation and infrastructure developments in at least seven reefs in the disputed Spratlys archipelago, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday.

Aside from the artificial islets over Mabini (Johnson South), Burgos (Gaven), Kennar (Chigua) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs, Beijing is conducting reclamation developments in Zamora (Subi), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef and portions of Panganiban (Mischief) Reefs, AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said.

“We have monitored seven reclamation (projects) in the area but we are much more concerned on two specific areas which are inside our EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” Catapang said.

Catapang said China’s infrastructure developments on Panganiban, Mabini and Kennar Reefs are ongoing.

Panganiban Reef is 130 nautical miles from mainland Palawan, Kennar 167 nautical miles and Mabini 118 nautical miles. It is 10 nautical miles away from the Philippine-occupied Ayungin Reef.

Catapang said a three- to six-story high building is being built over Mabini Reef. Structures were also monitored to be rising over Kennar Reef while the entrance to the Chinese-occupied portion of the ring-shaped Panganiban Reef is being dredged. An artificial islet in the area is also being built.

He said the AFP could only hope that China’s infrastructure developments would not result in miscalculations, admitting that the Philippines stands no chance against Beijing’s military might.

“Our job is just to know what’s happening in the area. It’s up to our national leaders to give us the marching orders of what to do,” he said.

He said the military would continue to maintain its presence in the disputed areas.

“We will continue our patrol as well as our re-supply operations for our troops out there in the West Philippine Sea,” Catapang said.

Rancudo airfield repair

Unable to build new structures in the country’s territory in the Spratlys archipelago, Catapang said the government would just repair the Rancudo airfield in Pag-Asa Island.

Rancudo airfield is the only supply line of soldiers and civilian residents in Kalayaan town, a fifth class municipality of Palawan in the island.

“We cannot tell you what we will do but we will repair the runway one way or another,” Catapang said. He ruled out the construction of a harbor in the island.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier said the construction of a pier and other developments in the country’s seven islets and two reefs in the Spratly Islands are being put on hold consistent with the Declaration Of Conduct (DOC) among claimant states.

Gazmin added it would be costly to bring in construction materials using military planes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said repair and renovation of existing military facilities are not covered by the DOC. China has expressed alarm over the DFA statement.

Security officials, including Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon Jr., have been calling on the national government to approve the construction of a pier in Kalayaan to fast-track development in the island.

They said Rancudo airfield needs immediate repair to stop soil erosion on the runway.