Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. traveled to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island on Friday, May 22, to personally recognize troops stationed in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and honor their sacrifice.

The visit came as tensions continue in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and amid renewed efforts by the military to sustain morale among personnel assigned to isolated outposts.

Brawner awarded and commended soldiers deployed on Pag-asa Island for their “professionalism, discipline, and unwavering dedication” in protecting the country’s western frontier.

“We recognize that what you are doing here in the Kalayaan Island Group is maintaining peace in this part of our country. You are putting your lives on the line to preserve peace and protect our freedom,” Brawner told troops during the visit.

Pag-asa Island, the largest Philippine-held feature in the disputed Spratly Islands, has become central to Manila’s push to strengthen its presence in the WPS. The island hosts both civilians and military personnel, and also serves as a strategic outpost as Manila faces increasing encounters with Chinese vessels in contested waters.

Joining Brawner during the visit were Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Admiral Alan M. Javier, Western Naval Command head Rear Admiral Vincent J. Sibala, and Kalayaan Mayor Billy Alindogan.

Brawner said the troops continued to carry out their mission despite difficult conditions on remote islands far from the mainland.

He told personnel that their commitment “reflects the professionalism and discipline expected of uniformed personnel entrusted with defending the nation.”

Brawner, who is set to retire in July, has increased high-level visits to remote detachments in recent months as part of efforts to improve troop welfare and operational readiness. The AFP said that deployments in the Kalayaan Island Group remain critical to asserting Philippine sovereignty and securing vital sea lanes in the resource-rich WPS.

The AFP said Brawner’s visit was meant to assess operational conditions on the ground and ensure that “welfare, morale, and support systems” for frontline troops remain a priority.

The visit also highlighted the military’s broader challenge of sustaining personnel assigned to remote territories where troops endure isolation, harsh weather, and limited access to basic services while maintaining constant watch over disputed waters.