PCG commander rallies troops in Kalayaan Island: ‘West Philippine Sea is ours!’
THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) commandant visited Kalayaan Island on Tuesday where he rallied troops to protect the West Philippine Sea and proudly fly the flag.
“These are the two main objectives that we need to accomplish — stepping up our presence and flying the Philippine flag with a sense of pride — because the West Philippine Sea is ours!,” Admiral George V. Ursabia, Jr. was quoted as saying in a statement released by the PCG on Wednesday.
Mr. Ursabia, however, acknowledged that Kalayaan Island, which is part of the Spratly Islands, is a disputed area.
“We should not forget that it is also a contested area. There are others claiming that it is also theirs. But of course, we will not surrender the territory. It is ours! Hence, we have to do our part in a peaceful and rules-based manner,” he said.
The PCG along with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have a combined five vessels deployed in West Philippine Sea for maritime and security operations.
