Philippines Transnational Issues - 2006

https://theodora.com/wfbcurrent/philippines/philippines_issues.html
SOURCE: 2006 CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

Disputes - international:
Philippines claims sovereignty over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf

Refugees and internally displaced persons:
IDPs: 150,000 (fighting between government troops and MILF and Abu Sayyaf groups) (2005)

Illicit drugs:
domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years; longstanding marijuana producer

NOTE: The information regarding Philippines on this page is re-published from the 2006 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Philippines Transnational Issues 2006 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Philippines Transnational Issues 2006 should be addressed to the CIA.