In April 2023, the US and the Philippines staged one of the largest war games in the disputed area of the West Philippine Sea. There were demonstrations of key deadly missiles like Hymars, Patriots, and Stingrays.

These missiles, however, are not easily given by the US to its allies, except during a state of war, as in Ukraine. The US Congress has to be informed of such deployments.

The WPS has no war situation yet, although we may be going in that direction. So, what was the demonstration of these sophisticated missiles all about if they had yet to be given to the Philippines?

Was the April 2023 US-PH war game simply a psyche-war tactic, a propaganda move on behalf of the US saying that it is behind the Philippines in the WPS all the way? How far will the US really go in its commitment to the mutual defense treaty?

The test will really be when there is heightened tension and rapid escalation of the US-China confrontation. But when push comes to shove, it will be too late for the US to arm the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard. The US must be proactive and act now to supply the Philippines with more surveillance vessels and warships equipped with lasers to neutralize the imbalance of Chinese superiority.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson, Commodore Jay Tarriela, stated clearly that they have only three vessels to patrol and monitor the vast WPS. The US should have considered this much earlier; otherwise, it would be too late. The PCG and the Philippine Navy need two types of support: surveillance vessels and warships, or a hybrid combination. Lasers are important to equalize Chinese ones. China will hesitate to use lasers against Philippine vessels if they also have lasers. This may trigger a "laser war."

There have been announcements on upgrading PCG vessels with such lasers, but where are they? Can the PCG update the public on this critical matter? And may we request Marcos Jr. to also look into it?

Swarming at the WPS

WION reported recently that 135 Chinese vessels were seen 'swarming' at the Juan Felipe Reef, or Whitsun Reef (no date but recent). CNN reported on 2 December that the 135 vessels were down to 28.