The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has indicated it may consider erecting a monument or historical marker in the West Philippine Sea. In an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo, Eufemio Agbayani III, Historic Sites Development Officer of the commission, said they are not ruling out such a plan as the country prepares to celebrate its victory in the Arbitral Tribunal.
On July 12, the Philippines will commemorate the Arbitral Award granted in 2016 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which recognized the country's rights over the West Philippine Sea. However, Agbayani admitted that the idea of building a monument is still premature, ten years after the ruling. He added that if residents of the Kalayaan Island Group request it, the NHCP would consider the proposal.
China's Narrative on Batanes Raises Concerns
Agbayani also expressed concern over a new narrative emerging from China, where some foreign scholars claim that Batanes belongs to China as part of Taiwan. He emphasized that Batanes is part of the Philippines' recognized territory and stressed that history records no Chinese presence in the area. He noted that this is not the first time China has laid claim to Philippine territory.
Agbayani cited evidence proving Philippine ownership of Batanes province, asserting that the country's historical records and international recognition support its sovereignty over the area.
