Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson on Saturday raised Philippine flags during his visit to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea amid Chinese actions against Philippine vessels.
Lacson visited Pag-asa Island and Puerto Princesa City for a consultation with residents and a meeting with the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WesCom).
Also present during his visit were former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar, spokesperson Ashley “Ace” Acedillo, as well as former Interior Secretary and National Unity Party Chairman Ronaldo Puno.
Lacson led the flag-raising ceremony, with the Philippine national anthem being played, during a brief morning program that was held as soon as they landed on Pag-asa.
Acedillo said three Philippine flags were raised there by the senator to replace the old one in the municipality.
Earlier this week, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said China Coast Guard vessels blocked and used water cannons on two Philippine ships that were on their way to the Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
China on Thursday said its coast guard upheld its sovereignty when the Philippine vessels intruded into what it claimed were its waters.
Both Lacson and his running mate Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III joined other government officials in strongly condemning the attack, saying that “the Philippines should not be pushed over in its own territories.”
“Sarili na nga nating teritoryo, tayo pa ‘yung tinataboy, wina-water cannon. Napakasamang pangitain ‘yon,” Lacson told reporters last Thursday.
(We are in our territory, but we’re being pushed around, water cannoned. That’s a very bad omen.)
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, following a case filed by the Philippines, invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the waters. Beijing did not recognize the ruling. — DVM, GMA News
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