AFP wants cruise ship tours to Spratly Islands

Philippines- USA troops hold drills near Spratly Islands

In response to similar efforts by other Asian claimants countries, the head of the Armed Forced of the Philippines said on Thursday that the military plans to organize tours to disputed isles in the West Philippine Sea. 

"Hopefully, we will be able to put up a cruise ship going around six islands," said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang. Catapang was referring to Patag, Lawak and
Pagasa Islands and Ayungin Shoal, all parts of the Spratly Islands.

The cruises  might be a public-private partnership project. They will be looking for any possible spot that can be developed  in the area.  Catapang also said that they are hopeful to have cruises since it is also being done by other countries and they sightseeing efforts to go around the islands that they possess.

Catapang also noted that there are around five to six Chinese ships are frequently seen in the disputed areas, particularly at Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef), Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal), and Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal).

Mischief Reef and Panatag Shoal are controlled by China, with the Chinese building structures on the former. The Philippines has a presence on Ayungin Shoal.

He  believes that this is going to be a win-win situation as the China is planning to  turn the islands that they are currently occupying into tourist destinations.

However, he challenged to make the Philippines’ pride Palawan to be the next most prosperous province to showcase. The province has a lot of potentials but only requires more development. 

Catapang, expected the top military post on July 18, on Wednesday installed Rear Adm. Alexander Lopez as new WesCom commander.  Lopez will replaced Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, who will retire today.