COUNTERMEASURES AGAINST CHINESE 'AGGRESSION' IN WPS

Last of two parts

THIS article presents the second half of proposed countermeasures against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Philippines has exhausted the utility of filing diplomatic protests against China, which have proven largely ineffective in deterring further incursions.

The previously discussed countermeasures form part of the "porcupine" strategy, a military and geopolitical approach typically employed by smaller nations to deter aggression from larger, more powerful adversaries. This strategy aims to make the cost of aggression disproportionately high for the potential aggressor.

As outlined last week, the Philippines can adopt several key elements of the porcupine strategy to enhance its defensive posture. These elements include asymmetric warfare preparation, civilian defense, strategic stockpiling, decentralized command structures, and cultivating international support. Each of these components contributes to creating a more resilient and deterrent national defense posture.

However, beyond these defensive measures, there are additional, more assertive actions that the Philippines can consider implementing within its borders. These internal measures, while potentially drastic, could significantly impact China's calculus and behavior in the region.

Total shutdown of POGOs

The House Committee on Games and Amusements approved on Feb. 12, 2024 House Bill 5802 banning all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country.

The proliferation of POGOs has been accompanied by a disturbing surge in criminal activities. According to police records presented by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, the first half of 2023 alone saw 4,039 individuals fall victim to POGO-related crimes. These offenses span a wide range, including human trafficking, kidnapping, homicide, illegal detention and various fraudulent schemes.

Of particular concern is the alarming frequency of human trafficking and prostitution cases linked to POGO operations. A stark example occurred in November 2023, when authorities rescued 16 women from a prostitution den connected to a POGO office in Parañaque City. More broadly, from November 2019 to March 2023, human trafficking accounted for an alarming 58 percent of all POGO-related cases.

The influx of Chinese workers associated with POGOs has caused significant disruptions in local communities. These issues include overcrowding, increased traffic congestion and strain on local infrastructure. In some instances, more egregious violations have occurred, such as attempts to establish unauthorized firing ranges, further exacerbating tensions with local residents.

Financial irregularities have also plagued the POGO industry. There are serious concerns about money laundering activities and suspicious financial transactions, with billions of pesos worth of transactions raising red flags. These activities potentially violate our laws and have even been linked to drug trafficking operations, undermining the integrity of the Philippines' financial system.

Severe social and security ramifications far outweigh any economic benefits derived from these operations. The complete cessation of POGO activities would necessitate the repatriation of Chinese operators and the deportation of undocumented foreign workers. This action would not only relieve the current administration of the social ills brought by POGOs but also shift the responsibility of managing these issues back to the Chinese government.

While the economic impact of such a move would be significant, advocates for this approach believe that the long-term social and security benefits for the Philippines would ultimately prove more valuable than the short-term economic gains currently provided by the POGO industry.

Cancellation of student visas

The significant influx of Chinese students into the Philippines has sparked substantial national security concerns, primarily due to suspicions of potential espionage activities. These apprehensions are particularly acute given the proximity of many Chinese students to strategic locations, such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, where the Philippines conducts joint military exercises with the United States.

Data from the Bureau of Immigration underscores the scale of this phenomenon. In 2023, out of a total of 24,189 student visas issued to various nationalities, an overwhelming majority — 16,190, or more than half — were granted to Chinese nationals. The concentration of these students is notably high in the National Capital Region, raising questions about the motivations behind this demographic shift.

A case in point is the province of Cagayan, strategically located facing Taiwan in the north. Here, intelligence officials have been scrutinizing the sudden surge of over 1,500 Chinese students enrolled in private universities, investigating whether this influx poses a potential national security threat. Reports indicating that many of these students lack proficiency in English have further fueled suspicions about the true nature of their presence.

The current geopolitical climate and heightened national security considerations necessitate rigorous monitoring and regulation of foreign student populations, with a particular focus on Chinese nationals. Lawmakers and security officials have voiced concerns that some of these individuals might be engaged in covert intelligence gathering or could potentially be members of sleeper cells.

Given these serious concerns, some have proposed drastic measures, including the cancellation of all Chinese student visas and the repatriation of these individuals to their home country.

Investigate all govt officials

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should prioritize investigating the possibility of "fake Filipino" ranking government officials, whether elected or appointed.

The case of Bambam, Tarlac Mayor Alice L. Guo should serve as a catalyst for this type of investigation. Guo is currently facing multiple legal issues and suspensions. How many more public officials claiming to be Filipino are actually Chinese nationals? If Alice Guo managed to achieve this, there might be others in various government positions.

The NBI should begin investigating whether there are "assets" planted by China to influence not only local but also national governance.

These are controversial and potentially drastic measures aimed at addressing perceived threats to Philippine national security and social stability. While the suggested countermeasures could have significant impacts on bilateral relations and the domestic economy, these are necessary to protect Philippine interests and sovereignty.

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2024-07-05T16:25:28Z dg43tfdfdgfd