Former Senator Greg Honasan

MANILA — The Gringo Honasan-led Reform PH Party plans to establish “paramilitary groups” in what he called “key sensitive locations” such as areas near the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

The former senator’s political party said in a statement Sunday, June 23 that the purpose of the move was to “boost efforts in protecting the country’s sovereignty in its territory and exclusive economic zones (EEZ)”. 

The party issued the statement roughly a week after China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel rammed a Philippine rubber boat that was on a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal. Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo lost his right thumb due to the incident, which reportedly injured at least even more Philippine Navy officers. 

The June 17 incident was arguably the worst act of aggression seen from the CCG amid the ongoing territorial dispute between the Philippines and regional power China. 

Reform PH Party didn’t set a timeline for the establishment of the paramilitary groups, but assured the public that they will “undergo training and will aid our Armed Forces in protecting our sovereignty and assist in disaster preparedness and relief operations”. 

“Our people, (who are) outside of the military,  should be prepared for any eventuality. The invaluable lessons of [typhoons] Ondoy and Yolanda have taught us that civilian mobilization is critical to any disaster,” the party said. 

But the party clarified that the move wasn’t a call for war. 

“Hindi tayo nanawagan ng isang digmaan. Walang sino man sa atin ang nagnanais maantala ang pagbangon ng ating ekonomiya at ang payapang pamumuhay ng ating mga mamamayan. Subalit kinakailangan nating maging handa,” it said. 

(We are not calling for a war. No one among us wants to derail our economic recovery as well as the peaceful lives of our people. But, we need to be prepared.) 

“We continue to pray for peace and the end of all wars in the world. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas (Long live the Philippines)!” it added. 

Honasan is the party’s chairman. Former Philippine Navy Captain James Layug serves as party president. 

Honasan and Layug were leaders of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) and Magdalo factions, respectively. The party was officially launched last June 10.