Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan has appealed to government officials, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and media representatives to visit the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea to boost national awareness and foster solidarity against China's ongoing aggression and harassment in Philippine waters.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called upon government officials, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and media representatives to visit the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea.
This would help boost national awareness and foster solidarity against the ongoing aggression and harassment from China in Philippine waters, the senator said in a statement. Pangilinan’s appeal comes after his visit to Pagasa Island, where he addressed the challenges faced by its residents due to China’s territorial claims over the surrounding waters. He said his visit underscores the need for the government to support and modernize the country’s armed forces and coast guard.
Pangilinan stressed that government officials and the private sector must join hands for a “whole-of-nation approach” to address maritime and territorial issues. Asked if he would encourage more government officials like him to visit the island, the lawmaker said yes, thanking the West Philippine Sea task force for the invitation. Pangilinan emphasized the importance of collaboration among various sectors, including high government officials, the private sector, media, and socio-civic organizations.
When civil society groups and the private sector support the Coast Guard’s initiatives, particularly in activities aimed at strengthening their claims and victories recognized by international tribunals, “our competitors are really distancing themselves. ” “That’s why it’s so important to have a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach to defending our Exclusive Economic Zone, our territorial waters, and our national sovereignty,” he said.
Pangilinan’s visit is also critical for assessing the military’s requirements, including additional ships and equipment, to secure disputed waters, particularly in light of impending budget deliberations.
“We don’t want chaos. We don’t want escalation of tensions. But we do need to strengthen our capacity to patrol our waters,” he stressed. Previously, the senator came under fire from the Chinese Embassy in Manila for criticizing its remarks against several government officials and lawmakers.
Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) China Philippine Waters Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan Solidarity Aggression Harassment Visit Pagasa Island Challenges Territorial Claims Armed Forces Coast Guard Government Private Sector Media Socio-Civic Organizations Exclusive Economic Zone Territorial Waters National Sovereignty Military Requirements Budget Deliberations Chaos Escalation Of Tensions
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