MANILA, Philippines—The pandemic and the insurgency presented more imminent security threats to the Philippines than that being foisted by China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea, according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Tuesday (Nov. 3). Esperon, armed forces chief of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, said while he was not belittling the external threat from China, it was not as imminent as the internal security threat from the insurgency and COVID-19 pandemic. At the hearing, opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros questioned the government’s focus on insurgency but lack of highlight on the security risks from China. “Is our relations with China to be considered war?” Esperon said. Esperon said the pandemic was a clear and present danger but the insurgency is also a prominent threat.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 03, 2020 15:51 UTC