The Philippines ' development efforts on Pag-asa and Lawak Islands in the West Philippine Sea are "legitimate exercises" intended to improve the welfare and livelihood of Filipinos in the area, the National Maritime Council (NMC) said. The council made the statement, echoing the position of...
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)...
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday, May 20, dismissed the latest complaints from China regarding ongoing infrastructure projects on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island and Lawak (Nanshan) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as it maintained that all activities within these features are...
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed its ships and aircraft to drive away four Chinese research vessels detected operating in Philippine waters without authorization on Sunday, May 3, as a separate civilian mission to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) drew praise from the...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, May 1, backed a civilian-led mission to Pag-asa Island as organizers set sail to deliver aid and assert the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) but was shadowed by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship. AFP spokesperson for WPS Roy...
Atin Ito Coalition will stage its fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea from April 30 to May 5, 2026, highlighted by a jetski flag ride and a solidarity concert on Pag-asa Island under its “Balik-Pag-asa” initiative. In a press conference on Monday, April 27, Atin Ito said the...
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) unveiled a new command center in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) on Thursday, April 9, to strengthen the country’s maritime security and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and Department of Transportation (DOTr)...
On Araw ng Kagitingan or Valor Day, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has activated a district station at the Pagasa Island in a bid to further make its presence felt and assert the country’s sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez...
Amid the persistent shadow of Chinese maritime presence, a new symbol of Filipino resilience is taking root in the sand of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that local officials and ranking dignitaries gathered on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, a remote outpost in the...
The Philippine Navy (PN) said its personnel aboard the landing ship BRP Benguet (LS507) averted a possible collision after a Chinese warship allegedly made a dangerous approach near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Western Command (Wescom) said the incident happened...
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is looking to build a Catholic church on Pag-asa Island to serve residents and government personnel stationed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, said he discussed the plan with Bishop Socrates Mesiona, of the...
The United States reaffirmed its defense pact with the Philippines after China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese militia vessels rammed and water cannoned a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel near the Pag-asa Island over the weekend. “The United States reaffirms...