DAVAO City — The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) held a three-day training session titled “Uncovering the Depths: A Training on West Philippine Sea Reporting,” from May 26 to 28 at Rogen Inn, here.

Seventeen journalists from across Mindanao, including representatives from Gold Star Daily, participated in the event aimed at deepening their understanding of the geopolitical, historical, environmental, and military issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Speakers included Atty. Neil Silva of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea; Dr. Michael P. Atrigenio of the Marine Science Institute at the University of the Philippines-Diliman; Janina Gillian Santos, analyst at Doublethink Lab; and veteran journalist Marites Danguilan Vitug.

The training also addressed how to combat fake news and disinformation related to the WPS. “It’s not true that there was chaos in the WPS,” one speaker clarified, countering circulating false claims.

PCIJ Training Director Rowena Paraan reminded journalists to verify all information and fact-check thoroughly to avoid spreading misinformation.

On the first day, Vitug spoke on the role of the media in reporting on disputed territories, followed by PCIJ Executive Director Carmela Fonbuena, who discussed potential story angles on the WPS.

BIODIVERSITY AT WPS. Dr. Michael P. Atrigenio of the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, discusses the environmental and marine biodiversity of the West Philippine Sea during the “Uncovering the Depths” training on WPS reporting, organized by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), held in Davao City from May 26 to 28. Photo by Edwin Iyo

Day two featured in-depth sessions: a three-and-a-half-hour discussion by Atty. Silva on the historical and geopolitical context of the WPS dispute, and a three-hour presentation by Santos on how disinformation has been weaponized in WPS narratives.

On the final day, Dr. Atrigenio led a two-hour session on the environmental and economic stakes in the WPS. He emphasized the sea’s rich coral ecosystems and oil deposits, underscoring why various entities seek control of the area.

Atty. Silva reiterated the Philippines' sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), stating it is "100% part of Philippine territory."

Santos also highlighted the growing influence of fake accounts and misinformation campaigns designed to confuse the public and disrupt responsible journalism.

The training aimed to equip journalists with the tools and insights needed to report accurately and responsibly on one of the country’s most critical and contentious national issues.