In the quiet depths of the West Philippine Sea, a battle rages unseen—a battle for sovereignty, for justice, for the very soul of the ocean itself. Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, a stalwart defender of truth and righteousness, has sounded the alarm: Sue China over suspected reclamation in Escoda Shoal.

With each passing day, the once-vibrant coral beds of Escoda Shoal fade into a sorry sight, ravaged by the insatiable greed of a foreign power. A recent survey conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reveals the grim truth—the destruction wrought upon the marine environment, the scars of Chinese encroachment upon Philippine territory. It is a testament to China’s brazen disregard for international law, for the sanctity of sovereign rights.

Carpio’s call for action reverberates through the halls of justice, a clarion call to hold China accountable for its crimes against the environment. “We should file a case now,” he declares, his words imbued with a sense of urgency. The Department of Justice has been diligently preparing a case against China, documenting the damage inflicted upon Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef. It is time to bring these atrocities to light, to shine a spotlight upon China’s illegal island-building activities and demand justice on the world stage.

But Carpio’s vision extends beyond mere legal recourse. He speaks of recovery, of restitution for the damages inflicted upon Philippine territory. Even should China refuse to pay, Carpio suggests offsetting the amount from its loans from Beijing—a bold assertion of the Philippines’ determination to seek recompense for the irreparable harm caused by Chinese aggression.

Yet justice alone cannot safeguard Philippine sovereignty. Carpio calls for vigilance, for unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. The Philippines must patrol Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef tirelessly, for 24 hours every day, to prevent further construction by China. But it cannot stand alone in this struggle. Carpio implores the Philippines to seek the assistance of its allies, to join forces in the defense of Reed Bank and the surrounding waters. For beneath the waves lie not just coral reefs, but the promise of oil and natural gas reserves—an invaluable resource that must be safeguarded against Chinese incursions.

As the Armed Forces of the Philippines stand vigilant, guarding the shores against foreign encroachment, Carpio’s words resonate with a sense of urgency. The suspected reclamation activities in Escoda Shoal may have been deterred for now, but the threat looms large on the horizon. It is a threat that demands a united response—a response rooted in justice, in sovereignty, in the unwavering determination to defend the Philippines against all who seek to do it harm.

In the face of adversity, Carpio stands as a pillar of hope and inspiration—a reminder that justice will prevail, that sovereignty will be upheld, and that the spirit of the Filipino people cannot be broken. But the battle is far from over. It is a battle that must be fought with courage, with determination, and with the unwavering belief that right will triumph over might.