The reported destruction and hauling off of corals at Rozul Reef that is part of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) may be part of a bigger and long-term plan by China, which has deployed once again dozens of boats in the area, according to Senator Francis Tolentino. These activities may be a prelude to a grand reclamation plan and the construction of artificial islands, as China has done in other parts of the WPS, he said. When there are no more corals, the reclamation may proceed at full speed, Tolentino explained.

Fernandez, B. (2023, September 19). Sen. Tolentino: Reef destruction may be prelude to reclamation. BusinessMirror, p. A3.