‘Grounding ships an option’ PH mulls its own militia fleet as 400 foreign vessels spotted in WPS

By Vince Lopez, Macon Ramos-Araneta

and Maricel

V. Cruz

MILITARY officials on Thursday said they would leave it to “higher authorities” to consider the proposal by a former Defense chief to ground more ships in the disputed South China Sea islands amid reports that some 400 foreign vessels were sighted in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The military is also looking to put up its maritime militia in the West Philippine Sea to strengthen its presence in the area, days afterthe Chinese coast guard used water cannons on a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal, with Chinese navy ships and maritime militia attempting a blockade.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner answered in the affirmative if putting up a militia fleet was part of the country's plans, with China and Vietnam having their own.

On Thursday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) said 85 percent of the foreign vessels spotted in the West Philippine Sea were Chinese.

The suggestion to ground more ship came from former Defense secretary Orly Mercado, who served in the Cabinet of President Joseph Estrada.

Mercado agreed with current officials that Manila never promised toremove the BRP Sierra Madre 20 years

By Maricel V. Cruz and Vince Lopez

HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo raised the alarm on the real status of Chinese crew involved in reclamation projects in Manila Bay.

Tulfo, in a television interview, said "almost 100" crew members of Chinese vessels were seen partying in Pasay bars at night.

"How sure are we that they are just regular crew members having a good