A national security expert emphasized the importance of the Philippines’ claims to restore control of the Scarborough Shoal.

In an interview with professor and national security expert Rommel Banlaoi during DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries, he stated that the Scarborough Shoal is part of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and is part of the province of Zambales.

“Dahil maliwanag na sa atin ang Scarborough Shoal dahil yung waters around that ay clearly falling under 200 nautical miles EEZ ng Pilipinas. Ito ay bahagi ng ating teritoryo. Ito [Scarborough Shoal] ay bahagi ng probinsya ng Zambales," he said.

Banlaoi explained that there are three parts of the West Philippine Sea that the government is fighting for: Kalayaan Island, Scarborough Shoal, and the Luzon Strait.

“Sa mga land feature within the Kalayaan Island Group includes the Scarborough Shoal. Yung WPS, kasi 3 ang bahagi ng karagatan na pinaglalaban natin diyan. Yung waters around Kalayaan Island Group, Scarborough Shoal, at Luzon Strait. Ang controversial ngayon yung Scarborough Shoal na kontrolado ng China,” he continued.

However, the national security expert said the Scarborough Shoal remains in the hands of the China Coast Guard (CCG), and there is a chance that the Philippines’ ship will not be able to sail near the area.

“Ngayon ang Scarborough Shoal ay hawak na talaga ng China. Ang CCG hindi na binibitawan 'yan at 'yan ang patuloy nating pinaglalaban sa WPS na maibalik yung control ng Scarborough Shoal sa atin,” Banlaoi said.