AN AERIAL photo of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, in the contested Spratly Islands. — REUTERS

A CIVILIAN coalition said it planted the Philippine flag on a disputed sandbar in the South China Sea (SCS) on Sunday, calling it a symbolic assertion of sovereignty despite the presence of Chinese vessels in the area.

In a statement, the Atin Ito (This is ours) coalition said its team reached Pag-asa Cay 2, also known as Sandy Cay, and raised the flag as a “peaceful but firm” act.

The group said members left Pag-asa or Thitu Island at around 5:40 a.m. aboard a rubber boat as part of a civilian-led mission.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Haima “Dadah” Kiram Ismula led the activity with volunteers, which the coalition described as a symbolic action to assert Philippine sovereignty.

“We successfully raised our flag at Pag-asa Cay 2 despite the heavy Chinese presence,” Ms. Ismula said in a statement in Filipino.

She said the mission aimed to send a message amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea — areas of the South China Sea being claimed by the Philippines.

“This is a defiant but peaceful act of resistance against China’s aggression within our waters,” Ms. Ismula said. “Our message is clear: the West Philippine Sea is ours.”

The group said several Chinese vessels were present near the area but did not prevent the team from reaching the sandbar.

Atin Ito said Pag-asa Cay 2 lies within Philippine waters and forms part of the Pag-asa Island area, which has seen increased activity from both Chinese and Philippine vessels.

The coalition said the mission forms part of a broader civilian initiative to assert the country’s presence in disputed waters.

The activity is included in its multi-day mission scheduled from April 30 to May 5, which also involves delivering supplies, conducting medical outreach and holding a community concert for residents in the area. — Pexcel John Bacon

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR