RETIRED general Charles Flynn, the commanding general of the United States Army Pacific from 2021 to 2024, was the first to declare the upcoming deployment of its new medium-range missile launcher but declined to disclose where.
RETIRED general Charles Flynn, the commanding general of the United States Army Pacific from 2021 to 2024, was the first to declare the upcoming deployment of its new medium-range missile launcher but declined to disclose where.
It was only in April 2024 that it was learned that the first-ever overseas deployment of the US Typhon missile system was at Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte to take a significant part in the Philippines-US military exercises 'Salaknib' and 'Balikatan.'In September 2024, unnamed American and Philippine officials were quoted as saying the Typhon would remain in the Philippines indefinitely. As a matter of fact, Philippine defense officials have expressed 'keen interest' in acquiring it to boost the country's defense capability. To that end, about 20 soldiers from the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment were scheduled to train with the US Army Pacific's First Multi-Domain Task Force in mid-February. This triggered vociferous criticism from China, which demanded the Typhon's immediate pullout from the Philippines.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning called the deployment — and intent to procure — of the missile system by the Philippines in coordination with external forces' 'a provocative and dangerous move to create regional tensions, incites geopolitical confrontation, and provokes an arms race.'Defense and government officials belied China's claim of an arms race and rejected Beijing's demand for the removal of the missile system from the country. No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed dismay over China's 'interference in purely internal affairs of the Philippines.' Nevertheless, he expressed willingness to remove the Typhon from the country if China complies with his conditions.'Stop claiming our territory, stop harassing our fishermen and let them have a living. Stop ramming our boats, stop water-cannoning our people, stop firing lasers at us, and stop your aggressive and coercive behavior,' Marcos said on Jan. 30.Why are these missiles a big deal for China? Why is its presence in the Philippines a big issue? What is with Typhon for Marcos to leverage on them to demand China to stop its rogue behavior?The Typhon can launch various missiles, including the Tomahawk cruise missile, which has a range exceeding 1,600 kilometers. With its location in northern Luzon, it can potentially hit targets in China. And the new SM-6 interceptor missile it carries is believed to be capable of striking air or sea targets more than 200 km away.But will China desist from what it is doing, as Marcos demanded, in exchange for the Typhon's pullout?I find it unlikely.Sounding a clarion callWhile laudable and heroic were the resilient and patriotic actions of personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines , Philippine Coast Guard , and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, they are unlikely to deter China's illegal and abusive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.But somebody has to do the difficult tasks they are doing and innumerable sacrifices they are making for the country!There is no stopping China from employing its gray zone tactics that range from ramming to boarding our vessels and seizing high-powered firearms to directing water cannons and military-grade lasers to our Navy and Coast Guard personnel. It recently added the use of long-range acoustic devices that can potentially cause hearing loss to our gallant men and women, protecting our sovereignty and sovereign rights. Never should we back down and continue to push back as China Coast Guard 'monster ship' loiters in our exclusive economic zone as if she were in China's municipal waters.While some of us have resigned to the faith that we, as a small nation, must suffer as we must against a rogue superpower, there must be a 'David' worthy of our praises and support so he can stand up bravely to 'Goliath.' In this regard, we must be united, as a nation, in rallying behind our government and its small but resolute forces.Numerous past raids conducted by security forces in establishments and posh villages around military and police camps in Metro Manila that led to the arrests of Chinese citizens aroused our suspicion over the presence of Beijing's spies in our community. But the recovery of five underwater drones and the Jan. 31, 2025 apprehension of five suspected Chinese spies after the Jan. 17 arrest of Chinese citizens and their Filipino cohorts ring more alarm bells. They were caught in possession of video footage and high-resolution images of navy and coast guard vessels and of vital naval installations.Despite our many preoccupations and the fact that our fight for our maritime entitlements is not gut issues, we must heed the government's appeal for vigilance. Because, indeed, as Marcos confirms, there are Chinese sleeper cells in our midst.Way forwardWe have to continue to uphold the favorable Arbitral Tribunal award in 2016 with the collective support of like-minded nations that advance a rules-based international system.We have to pursue the modernization of the AFP and PCG, and upgrade the capability of the BFAR, to enable them to better perform their mission and mandates.Some quarters blame our alliance with the United States for the escalation of the tension between the Philippines and China. I beg to disagree.The past neglect of our armed forces led to the decline of our capability to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights, which the then-emerging hegemon took advantage of. When the US left the Philippines after the military bases agreement expired in 1991, China occupied and fortified Panganiban Reef in 1995. From then on, this rogue nation gradually embarked on its artificial island expedition.Amid China's encroachments and creeping invasion, it boosts the morale of the Filipinos — especially of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and coast guardians protecting and defending our sovereignty and sovereign rights — to hear their commander in chief deliver such powerful pronouncements.But our president's tough talk of not ceding an inch of our territory has to be backed by a strong armed force with modest capability. And the way to have such an army is for Congress to put our money where our mouth is.HonorsCrow's Nest joined the Philippine Military Academy and the Cadet Corps on Saturday in rendering a testimonial parade and review in honor of seven retiring members of the PMA Bigkis Lahi Class of 1990 and their respective families, led by Lieutenant General Facundo Palafox IV. With him are Major Generals Leodevic Guinid, Domingo Gobway and Gabriel Viray, and Brigadier General Santiago Enginco, all of the Philippine Army. Also among the honorees are Air Force Major General Robert Araus Musico and Marine Major General Arturo Rojas.To these staunch defenders of our freedom and democracy who reached their compulsory retirement age, thank you for your selfless service to our maritime nation.atty.edarevalo@gmail.comX: @atty_edarevalo
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