Washington-based think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) yesterday said the Philippines is not just building a beaching ramp but is also reclaiming land at the Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. In its website, AMTI said the land reclamation at the Pag-asa Island - the largest among the nine areas occupied by Filipino troops in the Spratly Islands - involved around eight acres. The Spratly Islands, also known as the Kalayaan Islands Group, is a chain of islands and islets which are believed to be rich in oiul and minerals deposits. it is being claimed by Philippines, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.

Reyes, V., & Hachero, A. (2019, February 8). PH doing reclamation at WPS, says think tank. Malaya Business Insight, pp. B1, B3.