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Director Baby Ruth Villarama and her crew embark on a range of sea craft to document the ongoing strife and its consequences between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China over control of the recently named West Philippine Sea. This vast area, viewed by most nations outside of China as within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, has seen increasing infiltration by Chinese vessels. Among them are fishing boats, many are maritime militia that have reportedly harassed, intentionally hit, and attempted to board Filipino boats in the context of the broader sovereignty dispute.

Portions of the film are incredibly gripping, yet mostly the conflict takes the form of a diplomatic dance of seaborne intimidation. Officers from the different ships deliver impassioned speeches over short-wave, peppered with legal jargon, creating a form of "airwave diplomacy".

The Mission Behind the Title

The film's title references the critical efforts by the Philippine army to resupply foodstuffs to remote islands in the West Philippine Sea where personnel are stationed for extended, lonely tours. These outposts are often mere dollops of sand in the shallows, comparable to a sports field, accessible only by high-speed inflatable boats.

The voyages are evidently terrifying for the cargo of baby goats, which are shipped with canned goods and additional provisions. Viewers see the creatures seeking for secure footing as the boats hurtle across the choppy waves.

Voices from the Shoal

Elsewhere in the documentary fishers living around the inhabited Scarborough Shoal, who lament over reduced harvests due to the ongoing activity of foreign fishing vessels in their customary waters.

Fascinating Topic, Flawed Presentation

Critically speaking, the documentary is somewhat hampered by a at times meandering pacing and a soundtrack that can feel somewhat melodramatic, overemphasizing the dramatic moments. However, it stands as a compelling examination of a critical subject that is rarely covered beyond Asia.