To assert the country's claims, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified its presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in celebration of the National Flag Day on Friday, May 28.
PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said he visited the Kalayaan Island in Palawan last May 25 where he rallied the troops to raise the country’s flag in the disputed waters.
In a video shared by the PCG, Ursabia was seen as he graced the humanitarian activities of the Coast Guard in Kalayaan Island Group as part of the second phase of the capability enhancement training in the WPS.
“Nandito po kami sa Pag-asa Island sa Kalayaan para i-step up yung visibility ng barko ng Pilipinas, ang Coast Guard vessels, para i-wagayway ng mataas palagi ang Philippine flag. Ipakita natin sa mundo na itong lugar ng Kalayaan Island Group ay atin (We are here at Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan to step up the visibility of Philippine ships, of Coast Guard vessels, to raise the Philippine flag. Let us show the world that this territory of Kalayaan Island Group is ours),” Ursabia said.
The Philippine government established the municipality of Kalayaan as part of the Palawan province in 1978.
Ursabia also honored 17 PCG personnel who were deployed “to uphold maritime enforcement, maritime safety, and maritime security” in Kalayaan Island.
"We recognize your heroism in the face of great danger above and beyond the call of duty, most especially in conducting maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea. On behalf of your Coast Guard family and the entire Filipino nation, we thank you for your humble and compassionate public service," Ursabia shared.
The PCG medical members have checked the health conditions of the deployed soldiers in Kalayaan Island.
Meanwhile, personnel of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) conducted a coastal clean-up drive along the coast of Pag-asa Island last week.
They also visited and delivered school supplies for Pag-asa Island youth.
The PCG said it will cooperate in promoting the proper use and display of our national flag, in accordance with Republic Act No. 8491 or the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” from May 28 until June 12.
Earlier this month, the PCG bared that it drove away Chinese vessels who were spotted near Sabina Shoal near Palawan in the WPS.
The Coast Guard said it will continue to intensify maritime patrols and plans for the third phase of maritime drills, which is set in Batanes and Philippine Rise to further assert the country’s claims in WPS.