Philippines Installs ‘Sovereign Markers’ Over Islands in Disputed South China Sea

A Philippine flag flutters from BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea March 29, 2014. Erik De Castro/Reuters

The Philippines has installed five 30-foot-long navigational buoys bearing the national flag on four islands near the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing has increased its military presence.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on May 18 the placement of five navigational buoys on four important islands—Lawak Island, Likas Island, Parola Island, and Pag-asa Island—in the South China Sea, which Filipino refers to as the West Philippine Sea.