Chinese forces on Tuesday issued a radio challenge to a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 Hercules aircraft on its way to Pag-asa Island, a territory of the Philippines under the provincial jurisdiction of Palawan.
The aircraft was transporting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials and several members of the media for a routine inspection of the island located about 500 kilometers west of Puerto Princesa City.
The visit aimed to highlight recent developments and current conditions of Pag-asa and other military outposts within the Kalayaan Island Group. Also aboard the flight were several residents and elementary school teachers.
As the aircraft approached Pag-asa, Chinese authorities issued a radio challenge, asserting their presence in the area.
“Before we landed, there was a radio challenge. There was one radio challenge that occurred but this did not prosper… Of course, we are asserting and holding our sovereignty,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
and with that ang sagot naman ng ating mga piloto, of course, we are asserting pa rin and holding our sovereign with this. We conducted itong media embedded maritime patrol na makita talaga natin yung situation in the area,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Padilla said.
A local fisherman told reporters that fishing near the waters off Pag-asa Island has become increasingly difficult due to the presence of Chinese and Vietnamese vessels. He claimed that some of their crews use cyanide to catch fish, further harming the marine environment.
On Tuesday morning, rough seas and poor weather conditions limited visibility around the island. However, by the afternoon—once the weather cleared—Chinese fishing militia vessels were spotted surrounding the area.
