MANILA. The Philippine government is evaluating a proposal to convert the Grande and Chiquita Islands, formerly part of a U.S. naval base, into a military reservation. This move aims to strengthen the country’s presence in the waters facing the South China Sea, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Thursday.
Located in Subic Bay, Grande and Chiquita Islands were once under the control of the U.S. military until the Philippines declined to extend the lease in 1991. The American forces withdrew in 1992, and the area has since been repurposed into a freeport zone. The defense department emphasized that turning the islands into a military reservation could enhance security in the freeport and its international airport, while also supporting the Philippine Navy’s base development in the region.
“Grande Island…is a strategic vantage point with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc,” the DND stated, referring to the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea and the contested Scarborough Shoal.
The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made the protection of the country’s sovereign rights in the South China Sea a top priority. Manila has consistently clashed with Beijing over the presence and actions of China’s coast guard and maritime militia within its EEZ. Tensions have further intensified as the Philippines has deepened its defense cooperation with the United States, conducting joint training exercises and deploying a U.S. Typhon missile system—a move that has drawn strong reactions from China.
The announcement regarding the islands’ possible conversion came a day after authorities arrested a Chinese national, five other foreigners, and two Filipinos on Grande Island for alleged violations of Philippine securities and cybercrime laws. Law enforcement agencies suspect the individuals were involved in espionage and kidnapping linked to offshore gaming operations, which were banned in the country last year.
As geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the region, the Philippines remains committed to fortifying its defense capabilities and securing its territorial waters.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
