MANILA – Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV wants an investigation into the reported deployment of Chinese missiles in the West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese military was reported to have sent the missiles to three fortified outposts at the Spratly Islands – a territory contested by China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Trillanes said he will push for a Senate probe that would look into the “overall militarization by China of the [West Philippine Sea].”
“Ginagawa pa iyong [resolution],” he said Monday.
Senators Francis Escudero and Francis Pangilinan support the call for investigation.
“I respect the right/prerogative of any senator to conduct an inquiry on any matter,” said Escudero.
“I don’t think it will affect national security or our diplomatic relations given that it will be in executive session,” he added.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should be invited to the inquiry, Pangilinan said.
Malacañang noted that there are “steps” being taken to address the alleged missile defense deployments.
“We are viewing this with much concern,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.
“Any possible scenario that would encourage military action in our backyard, in our exclusive economic zone, and in one of the busiest sea lanes in the world is troublesome,” he said.
Roque also welcomed the planned Senate investigation.
“Katungkulan din naman iyan ng Senado. Hindi naman namin pinagkakait iyan sa Senado,” he said. “Kaya lang maraming bagay-bagay siguro doon na hindi pupwedeng idiskurso sa publiko.”
“Meron tayong tinatawag na mga bagay-bagay na covered ng executive privilege at state secrets because of national security,” Roque added. “But katunkulan iyan at pribilihiyo ng Senado na imbestigahan ang mga missiles ng China.”/PN
