Underwater drone

The whole country went abuzz when a seemingly old video of an underwater drone was seen off the waters of Bohol. It is said to be of Chinese origin, allegedly used to monitor our country. The Philippine Navy in Central Visayas, as well as the Central Command, has refused to comment, redirecting all communication to their central office. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard in Bohol issued a statement confirming that the unusual underwater object was spotted in 2024. They continue to monitor the situation for its possible resurgence.

The alarm over this incident is valid. The Philippines has been subjected to numerous threats and subtle attacks by the Chinese government, primarily due to our territorial dispute. There have been multiple instances where their ships damaged ours or mistreated our fisherfolk. By all appearances, they show little regard for international laws. Despite the clear definition of our Exclusive Economic Zone, China continues to assert that the waters surrounding our territory belong to them.

The government must step up its diplomatic efforts to resolve this ongoing issue. The tension is palpable on the ground, as we cannot fully claim and protect what is rightfully ours. Our natural resources, particularly marine ecosystems, have been severely damaged by repeated incidents involving their vessels. According to assessments made by environmental experts, rehabilitating these areas will be immensely challenging. The damage caused cannot simply be brushed aside, nor should we pretend that nothing went wrong. A more proactive approach is essential to address the gravity of the situation. The West Philippine Sea remains in peril.

We need to give heightened attention to this critical area of our country. Since we lack the military capabilities to match China’s warships and weaponry, our best recourse is to draw international attention to their actions. Transparent media coverage plays a vital role, as it ensures that the public remains informed. However, education must go hand in hand with this coverage. Filipinos must fully understand the significance of this issue and recognize the importance of asserting our territorial rights. We cannot afford to be misled by narratives that glorify other nations at the expense of our sovereignty.

The appearance of that underwater drone has shed light on deeper issues regarding our territorial disputes. It serves as a reminder that the conflict is far from over. With a little over two years into this administration, it is crucial to maximize efforts to address this ongoing squabble. Vigilance is key to monitoring the intrusion of foreign objects and individuals into our territory. We’ve all seen the extensive debates surrounding the POGO issue, which highlighted the need for stricter policies on foreign presence. Similarly, this situation demands a comprehensive response.

Lastly, accountability is non-negotiable. Those responsible for allowing such incidents to occur must answer for their actions. It is imperative to pinpoint the lapses that led to this situation and implement measures to prevent them from happening again. I don't think it is too obvious to point fingers now.