#Spotlight: The Philippines says tensions in the West Philippine Sea are showing signs of easing after a series of confrontations with Chinese maritime forces. While China’s coast guard often blocks resupply missions to the Sierra Madre, officials expect safe passage this time. | Firstpost

The ongoing maritime dispute over the West Philippine Sea is well-documented. And yet, after years of international disputes and public outcries and demands for national action—barring the naval and coast guard personnel who routinely visit and monitor the contested waters—what else do we know about the Kalayaan Group of Islands? Outside satellite and drone images and routine videos from news outlets, do we truly know the waters we’re so desperately fighting for? @‌babyruthv, director of 2016’s