Verbal challenges from Chinese Navy vessels hounded the visit of senators and Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro on Thursday, May 16, in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed alarm over these challenges made by Chinese forces near the disputed island, which he stressed falls within the territory of the Philippines.
"Kanina pag-landing namin may verbal warnings, verbal challenges ang binibigay ng Chinese Navy sa aming eroplano," Zubiri said.
"Hindi inyo ito. Ito ay territory ng Pilipinas. Bago pa dumating si Magellan, atin na ito kaya kung pwede ay lumayas na kayo," the lawmaker stressed.
Senators Joel Villanueva, and JV Ejercito also joined the visit to Pag-asa Island for the ground-breaking ceremony of a military barracks, and a super rural health unit.
Zubiri stressed that their visit also seeks to show their support to the Philippine Navy personnel stationed in the island.
"We are here today to show that we mean what we say in our support to our sovereignity, in our support to our men and women that are watching the outer shores of the Philippines," Zubiri said.
Per reports, at least 22 Chinese ships roam the waters around Pag-asa Island.
'ITO ANG TERITORYO NG REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS, HINDI INYO ITO'
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 16, 2024
WATCH: Sa kanyang mensahe sa pagbisita sa Pag-asa Island ngayong araw, ikinwento ni Senate Pres. @migzzubiri na nakaranas sila ng verbal challenges mula sa Chinese Navy. | RH 28 @RaymundDadpaas, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/cZHk41gOuh
