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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Lacson confirms experiencing first-hand hostility from Chinese authorities during Pag-asa Island visit

Lacson confirms experiencing first-hand hostility from Chinese authorities during Pag-asa Island visit

Published Nov 21, 2021 05:08 pm

Partido Reportma standard bearer and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Sunday confirmed that his team was experienced firsthand hostility coming from Chinese authorities when they went to Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan last Saturday, Nov. 20.

According to Lacson, Captains John Donguines and Geo Villacasin received unfriendly warnings from the Chinese Navy on their way to Pag-asa Island. The co-pilots were flying the senator and his party aboard a private Pilatus PC-12 aircraft from the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerta Princesa City for their scheduled visit and consultation with the local residents and soldiers occupying Pag-asa Island.

According to Ashley Acedillo, who joined Lacson on his visit, authorities from the Chinese Navy radioed them with the following message: “You are approaching our military zone. Please stay away from the area and leave immediately. Your actions are unfriendly and dangerous. Your actions are dangerous.”

“This is Chinese Navy. You are approaching our military alert zone. Leave immediately in order to avoid misjudgment,” the Chinese authorities later added.

While nothing untoward happened during their visit to Pag-asa island, Lacson admitted that he found it rather unusual, especially when he received a text notification on his phone with the message “Welcome to China” as soon as they landed on the area.

Partido Reporma president and former House Speaker Pantaleon ‘Bebot’ Alvarez, secretary-general and Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, senatorial candidate Guillermo Eleazar, and National Unity Party chairman Ronaldo Puno were also with Lacson during the trip.

Nevertheless, Lacson said he believes diplomacy is still the key and most effective way to resolve the current issues hounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

He also said soldiers and residents in the area would be better protected if there is a balance of power in the WPS.

That is why, he said, it is crucial for the Philippine government to strengthen its bilateral ties with its stronger allies in the region to support and promote freedom of navigation within the WPS and to stop China from bullying smaller nations that actually follow their own maritime rights within their exclusive economic zones (EEZ).

“Hindi natin kaya talaga mag-isa na i-confront ‘yung China, so, hihingi tayo ng tulong sa mga malalakas na bansa (We really cannot confront China on our own. So we will ask the help of stronger nations),” Lacson said.

In any case, Lacson said he finds it a “good indication” to hear that the United States is interested to strengthen its Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines.

“They (US) want to enhance the EDCA including funding requirements. I think the US is getting a bit aggressive when it comes to issues regarding the West Philippine Sea, which is a good indication,” Lacson said.

Related Tags

Partido Reporma May 2022 elections Panfilo Lacson EDCA PAG-ASA ISLAND USA West Philippine Sea china Chinese Navy
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