Soldiers protecting West PH Sea get early Christmas gift

Soldiers detailed in the disputed territory of the West Philippine Sea were given early Christmas gifts in recognition of their services for the country amid the unstable relationship with China over the contested waters.


  • Troops protecting the contested waters receive an early Christmas gift from the UP Vanguards
  • The gifts were in recognition of their service for the country
  • The items include needed equipment such as two-way radios and chest freezer and sports equipment like a basketball and a badminton set


The University of the Philippines Vanguard, Inc – the oldest Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in the country – granted the troops with sports items and other equipment. An Inquirer story said that these include a chest freezer, one solar panel, four two-way radios, a badminton set, two fishing rods, two basketballs, 10 rubber gloves, 10 masks, 10 LED bulbs and 10 helmets.

These donations were given to Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Gloriosa Miranda on Monday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.



In an article posted by update.ph, UP Vanguard Vice National Commander Brig. Gen. Marcelo Bonifacio Javier said the funding for the donations came from a fun run event held last April.

These treats will be delivered to the soldiers around December 8 as Miranda said they are regularly visiting the soldiers.

“We are regularly visiting them there at the Pagasa Island through our military aircraft. We would bring these items along [in our next visit,” he said.

Pagasa island is the largest of the territories in the West Philippine Sea the country is claiming against China. Other islands include the Ayungin Shoal, Parola, Patag Island, Kota, Likas and Panata Island. Three reefs are also being claimed – Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin.





Source: kickerdaily