The chairman of the House Committee on Strategic Intelligence on Monday urged the government to prepare a contingency plan as there is “considerable risk” that a Chinese vessel might end up accidentally running aground in the shallow waters and submerged ridges of the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, panel chairman, issued the statement following the reported mooring of some 220 Chinese vessels, believed to be Chinese maritime militia, in Julian Felipe Reef west of Palawan. “We would urge the National Task Force for the WPS to seriously consider this risk, at the rate Chinese vessels are swarming around Julian Felipe Reef,” Pimentel said.

Dela Cruz, J. M. N. (2021, March 30). Do we have a contingency plan amid WPS impasse? solon asks. Business Mirror, p. A3.