Amid tension with China in the West Philippine Sea, presidential aspirant Ping Lacson visits Pag-asa Island
PING LACSON – The presidential aspirant visited Pag-asa Island, part of Spratlys archipelago, amid the tension with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Lacson lead the flag-raising on the said island on Saturday, November 20, to show sovereignty in the country’s territory.
The incumbent senator boarded a plane from Manila and upon his arrival at Antonio Bautista Air Base for a stopover, he was welcomed by the officials of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WesCom).
Lacson left the mainland of Palawan around 8 am and headed to Pag-asa Island via private Pilatus aircraft alongside Partido Reporma president and former House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, and secretary-general, Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib.
Joining the visit is Partido Reporma senatorial candidate and former Philippine National Police chief Guillermo Eleazar, spokesperson Ashley “Ace” Acedillo, and former Interior Secretary and National Unity Party chairman Ronaldo Puno.
Lacson and his group arrived at around 9:10 am and lead the flag-raising ceremony while singing the Philippine National Anthem.
After that, he went to the community to personally talk with the residents and fishermen especially about their situation, views, and experiences at the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Meanwhile, days before his visit to the island, Philippine boats on a supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre were blocked and water cannoned China Coast Guard vessels in Ayungin Shoal in WPS.
Although no one was hurt in the incident, the boats had to abort their mission.
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