Malacañang reported on Wednesday that a maritime operation was conducted involving the raising of the Philippine flag, as a reaffirmation of the country’s sovereignty over the Cays located in Kalayaan, Palawan, within 12 nautical miles of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro stated that the move serves as a strong assertion that the Pag-asa Islands are not under the control of the Chinese Coast Guard.
With the support of the AFP and partner agencies, the government remains committed to defending national sovereignty, protecting the country’s maritime domain, and upholding the Philippines’ lawful rights in accordance with international law.
"Muling iginigiit ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at mga katuwang na ahensya ang kanilang paninidigan na ipaglaban ang karapatan ng bansa, protektahan ang karagatang sakop ng Pilipinas, at ipaglaban ang karapatan ng bansa na naaayon sa International Law," said Castro.
The Inter-Agency Maritime Operation of Joint Task Unit-Pag-asa in Cays 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the West Philippine Sea was conducted on April 27.
Moreover, the Task Unit is composed of personnel from the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the PNP Maritime Group.
