For Philippine troops in Spratlys, hope comes wrapped in fresh supplies

Philippine troops stationed in eight outposts in the Spratly Islands, including Ayungin Shoal (left photo), receive provisions from the Navy during a resupply mission in late June. Isolated for weeks on end, they turn to fishing, diving, basketball, or watching TV for entertainment. Or some of them just commune with nature, such as this Navy man on Lawak Island, a bird sanctuary (right photo). - Philippine Daily Inquirer

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): In between turquoise waters and rich fishing grounds in the Spratly Islands — a major archipelago in the South China Sea — are nine islands and reefs where Filipino troops stand guard.

While their powdery white sands and crystal clear waters could rival Boracay’s or El Nido’s, the maritime features are prized more for their geopolitical importance, making them the subject of a claims dispute among the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Taiwan and Malaysia.