PH bares troop, infra buildup on Pag-asa 9 years after Hague ruling

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The expansion will include coordination with civilian agencies and enlistment of local fishers as maritime auxiliary partners for communication and coordination tasks

PALAWAN, Philippines – The Philippines will expand military and civilian infrastructure on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, officials said on Friday, July 12, as the country marked the 9th anniversary of an international tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping maritime claims.

Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr., commander of the Western Command (Wescom), said new troop deployments and infrastructure projects are planned as part of a broader push to “fortify our occupation” in the Kalayaan Island Group.

“Expect more and better infrastructure projects,” Torres told a ceremony in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan province. “More footprints will be coming in, not only from the AFP but other agencies under the NTF-WPS (National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea).”

CELEBRATE. Officials gather to celebrate Palawan’s West Philippine Sea Victory Day as a reminder of The Hague ruling nine years ago. Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan

The government has recently completed upgrades on Pag-asa, including a beaching ramp, diesel power plant, and an improved airstrip that can now accommodate military cargo aircraft. Around 200 civilians live on the island.

Pag-asa Island lies within the Spratly archipelago, roughly 480 kilometers west of Palawan. It is one of the most hotly contested areas in the territory where China, despite the 2016 arbitral ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, continues to assert control and maintain a heavy presence.

The Hague tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China’s “nine-dash line” claim. Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.

Officials said the expansion will include coordination with civilian agencies and enlistment of local fishers as maritime auxiliary partners for communication and coordination tasks.

“We will engage them to become our partners in patrolling. Of course, we will not use them in our operations but we will support them in their activities,” Torres said.

The plan is part of a whole-of-government approach by the NTF-WPS, which aims to integrate security and civilian functions in asserting Philippine presence in the West Philippine Sea.

Ferdinand Zaballa, a Palawan provincial board member and author of a local ordinance marking July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day, urged citizens to engage in the national effort.

“Every citizen should get involved, especially on social media, to share what is right and what are positive responses about WPS, what we are fighting for,” he said during a motorcade and public event.

Satellite imagery published by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) shows continued Chinese activity in nearby waters, highlighting the strategic urgency of the Philippines’ efforts.

“These projects are not only for the AFP,” Torres said. “They are a manifestation of [the government’s] efforts in defending our sovereignty.” – Rappler.com