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Speaker assures support for Pag-asa residents

The visit took place amid the tensions generated by the continued patrols by Chinese Coast Guard ships led by the “Monster”  within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

In his latest update yesterday, US maritime security expert Ray Powell reported “lots of action west of Luzon, deep within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.”

Image shows House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairperson and Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas distributing food and grocery goods to residents and uniformed personnel in Pag-asa island. (Photo from Ray Powell’s X page, Ver Noveno)

He said that Philippine Coast Guard ships BRP Cabra & BRP Suluan on patrol southeast of Scarborough Shoal were being shadowed by two Chinese coast guard ships.

Powell also noted that CCG 5901, otherwise known as  “The Monster” and another Chinese coast guard vessel were “positioned to interdict approaches east and southeast of Scarborough Shoal, while 5 maritime militia ships fan out around the shoal.”

“Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship BRP Datu Romanet, on the other hand, was patrolling east of Scarborough Shoal, and was being shadowed by CCG 3301” he added.

BFAR ships BRP Datu Pagbuaya & BRP Datu Bankaw were sailing southwest from Manila Bay to an unknown destination,” Powell said.

Another CCG 3104 was last seen just 35 nautical miles from Luzon coastline, but “AIS-dark”.

“I know the challenges you are facing – the distance from major cities, the lack of facilities, and the difficulty of meeting daily needs. But despite this, you remain steadfast,” Romualdez said in his speech read by Arenas.

He lauded the residents’ resilience and dedication and vowed that Congress would not ignore their needs.

Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, is the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Spratly Islands. It serves as a vital outpost in asserting the country’s sovereignty and is crucial in determining the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law.

Despite geopolitical tensions in the area, the island is home to a small but resilient Filipino community and personnel from the military and other uniformed services.

The visit was also made to assess the living conditions of the 79 families on the island, including health, livelihood, and infrastructure issues.

Reps. Emigdio Tanjuatco III of Rizal and Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Party-list, along with representatives from the Office of the Speaker, the Caretaker District Office, and the Office of the Mayor, joined Arenas in the visit.

In his speech, Romualdez also reiterated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is fully committed to enhancing their welfare.

“We are united with the government in order to make your life better and more convenient. With the support of our dear President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., projects for the island are continuous – the construction of a rural health unit and new facilities,” the Speaker said.

Among the concrete measures announced was establishing a rural health unit, which Romualdez described as vital in ensuring accessible medical services for the islanders.

A boodle fight lunch was also held for the military personnel stationed on the island, highlighting the House’s recognition of their service and sacrifices.

Romualdez’ reiterated the significance of Pag-asa Island not just as a territorial asset but also as a home to Filipinos who have chosen to live on the frontlines of national sovereignty.

The Speaker also highlighted ongoing and future livelihood programs aimed at providing economic opportunities for the residents, promising that Congress will continue to push for the necessary resources to help them thrive. — Maricel Cruz

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Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net

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