‘We’re sitting ducks’: Residents in northern Philippines fear being caught in US-China rift

Fishing boats in Gabu Norte village in Laoag City, where a no-sail zone policy was temporarily imposed this week during the annual Philippines-US war games.

The 2024 drills were conducted in various areas in the Philippines, along its western coast facing the disputed waterway and up north close to Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing considers as its territory. Fisherfolk in the province also lost up to 3,000 pesos per person per day in potential income because of the no-sail policy.

“An imperialist war could erupt, much like what happened during World War II,” Mr Dela Cruz said. “And who would be the most disadvantaged? Us Filipinos, especially the poor.” Filipino and American troops using 105mm and 155mm howitzers to repel a mock invasion during the counter-landing live fire drills at La Paz Sand Dunes in northern Philippines on May 6. PHOTO: CIRIACO SANTIAGO III

The Philippines also took the chance to showcase its first missile-armed frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal, which fired an SSM-700K C-Star anti-ship missile at the tanker. “Of course, people like us living on the coast are scared of a possible war. But I still support this Balikatan drill so that if some other country invades us, our soldiers can fight back,” she said.

Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, nephew of the President and son of Senator Imee Marcos, told ST that the conduct of the 2024 war games has thus far not affected relations with Chinese officials in the province.

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