In the vast expanse of the West Philippine Sea, a silent massacre has unfolded. Between 2017 and 2019, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) meticulously documented the environmental catastrophe wrought by China in Panatag Shoal. These images, stark and harrowing, reveal the relentless destruction of one of the world’s critical marine habitats. Yet, in a gut-wrenching twist, these damning proofs were buried in the shadowy halls of power during the Duterte administration, discarded like inconvenient truths.

China’s rapacious activities in Panatag Shoal, or Bajo de Masinloc, have decimated its marine life. Underwater footage reveals a marine wasteland: giant clams harvested on an industrial scale, coral reefs pulverized, and the ecosystem left in ruins. The images of empty shells, once the thriving homes of marine creatures, now serve as makeshift anchors for Chinese vessels, epitomize the environmental vandalism that has occurred.

This environmental carnage is more than just a local issue—it’s a stark example of China’s utter disregard for international norms and environmental preservation. The destruction of Panatag Shoal is a microcosm of China’s broader ambitions in the South China Sea, where it has routinely trampled over territorial claims and environmental concerns alike.

Yet, as this marine apocalypse unfolded, the Duterte administration sat on its hands. Submitted to the highest offices—the Office of the President, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea—these incriminating images were met with deafening silence. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the PCG’s West Philippine Sea task force could only offer a damning, “I don’t know,” when pressed on what was done with these revelations. This is a gross failure of leadership and accountability.

The Duterte administration’s policy of appeasement towards China, masqueraded as a “pivot” and a “status quo” strategy, was nothing short of a betrayal to the Filipino people and the environment. By turning a blind eye to China’s environmental crimes, Duterte effectively endorsed the ecological plunder of the Philippines’ own backyard. This inaction was not just negligence; it was an abdication of responsibility. Duterte’s administration should have raised the alarm internationally, brought the evidence before global environmental bodies, and leveraged international pressure to halt China’s ecological rampage.

In stark contrast, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a decisive stand. The current administration’s transparency strategy, which involves publicizing China’s atrocities in the West Philippine Sea, is a breath of fresh air. For the first time, these images have been brought to light, allowing Filipinos and the world to witness the extent of China’s environmental devastation. This move not only exposes China’s environmental vandalism but also signals a shift towards greater accountability and resistance against foreign aggression.

Marcos’s administration has shown a willingness to confront the environmental issues head-on, advocating for international scrutiny and calling out China’s behavior. This is a significant departure from the previous administration’s stance, and it offers a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered ecosystems of Panatag Shoal. By pushing back and advocating for shared goals without compromising on national interests, Marcos has set a precedent for a balanced yet firm foreign policy.

Moving forward, the Duterte administration should have engaged in a multifaceted strategy to combat China’s environmental destruction. It should have filed immediate cases with international courts, sought support from global environmental organizations, and implemented stricter maritime patrols to safeguard its waters. Diplomatic channels should have been leveraged to rally international condemnation and pressure China into halting its destructive practices.

In conclusion, the ecological havoc in Panatag Shoal is a testament to China’s ruthless environmental imperialism and the catastrophic failure of Duterte’s administration to protect the Philippines’ natural heritage. Marcos’s proactive stance offers a beacon of hope, but the road to recovery is long. The Duterte administration’s negligence should serve as a grim reminder of the cost of political appeasement and the urgent need for robust environmental stewardship and sovereignty protection. The international community must not only take note but also take action, ensuring that such environmental atrocities do not go unpunished.