by Cliff Potts, Editor-in-Chief, WPS News

Baybay City | April 2, 2025 — As the situation in the West Philippine Sea grows tense, the Philippines finds itself in a precarious position. For years, the government’s response to China’s increasing assertiveness has been criticized as inadequate. Filipinos have watched as Chinese forces expanded their presence in the area, often with little action taken by their own leaders. Concerns about the implications of these developments have been largely ignored.

I began this reporting a bit over a year ago. When I started my coverage, the Filipino government was all but ignoring the situation that brewed up in its own front yard, the West Philippine Sea. The head of the Philippine Coast Guard claimed they did not have enough resources to patrol the area. It was troubling to realize that no one was warning the public about the potential fallout of a conflict in Taiwan. If China were to move against Taiwan, the Philippines would inevitably be drawn into the war. Few voices spoke up about this looming threat—certainly no one else besides me.

Now, as of April 1, 2025, a shift has occurred. General Romeo Brawner Jr., the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has called on Filipino troops to prepare for the possibility of a Taiwanese invasion. He emphasized the need to extend the military’s operations and readiness. This announcement follows a series of military exercises conducted by China around Taiwan, aimed at demonstrating their readiness for conflict.

Brawner informed troops at the Northern Luzon Command that they would need to be ready to rescue the 250,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) living in Taiwan if a conflict breaks out. This admission marks a significant change in the military’s stance on the potential threats posed by China.

In recent months, military drills conducted by China have become more frequent. The Chinese government has sent army, navy, air, and rocket forces to surround Taiwan, asserting their dominance and threatening those who oppose them. The military claims these exercises serve as a stern warning against separatists in Taiwan.

Beijing insists that Taiwan, a self-governing island, is a part of its territory. The Philippines’ proximity to Taiwan places it in a sensitive position. If conflict erupts, the Philippines may find itself dragged into the situation. The U.S. Defense Secretary recently mentioned that Washington will provide strong support to the Philippines during such crises.

The Philippines has long been in a defensive stance against Chinese claims over the South China Sea, recently referred to as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce national sovereignty. Tensions over territorial disputes continue to escalate. Both the Philippine government and citizens must remain vigilant.

General Brawner expressed that the next significant conflict might not involve local insurgents but rather a larger international struggle. He mentioned warfare not just in terms of traditional battle but also in terms of cyber and information warfare. He warned that Chinese influence is already infiltrating various sectors of Philippine society.

It is essential to remain aware of the security landscape, which is constantly changing. With military relationships evolving and defense strategies being updated, it is critical for the Philippines to be prepared for any scenario that may arise.

While I have tirelessly reported on these issues for the past year, I must confess that I am tired of working for the Philippines without recognition or compensation for my efforts. It is crucial to strengthen our country’s defense and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.

As if geopolitical tensions weren’t enough, the Philippines also faces natural disasters. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has warned that the movement of the Philippine Trench may trigger a magnitude 8.1 earthquake. Such an earthquake could have devastating effects and lead to tsunamis. Filipinos must remain vigilant on all fronts—be it from international conflict or natural disasters.

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