The growing militarization of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is "dangerous" because it will undermine the cooperation of frontline nations on other issues surrounding the region, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. warned. Esperon reiterated the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that issues involving the West Philippine Sea may become a "flashpoint" that could lead to a bigger conflict.

Reyes, D. (2018, March 19). Sea militarization dangerous - Esperon. The Manila Times, pp. A1, A2.