Top security exec visits disputed area

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BY VICTOR REYES and JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

NATIONAL Security Adviser (NSA) Clarita Carlos visited Pag-asa island on Wednesday, becoming the first ranking security official under the Marcos administration to set foot on the disputed area in West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea (SCS).

Carlos was accompanied by Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, commander of the Armed Forces’ Western Command (Wescom), who said the visit shows the government’s desire to protect the people and the state.

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Also on Wednesday, President Marcos Jr. vowed anew to further strengthen the relationship of the Philippines with China. He made the pronouncement through social media after releasing photographs of the courtesy call of Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“We are very grateful for the visit, and we look forward to further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples,” Marcos Jr. said in a Facebook post. A similar post was uploaded in his Instagram and the Office of the President’s Facebook page.

Huang said he was “greatly honored” to call on Marcos as he expressed optimism that cooperation between China and the Philippines would further grow.

NSA Carlos, concurrent chair of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, was taken by a C-212i aircraft from Manila to Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, home to the Wescom which is supervising all military operations in the country’s western frontier.

After a meeting with Wescom officials at the air base, NSA Carlos and Vice Adm. Carlos boarded the same plane and proceeded to Pag-asa Island, which is about 280 nautical miles from the city.

The island, the largest among the nine areas occupied by Filipino troops in the contested West Philippine Sea, is just 12 nautical miles from the Chinese-occupied Subi reef which China subjected to land reclamation several years ago and is now equipped with advanced an weapons system.

“Her visit bespeaks of our common aspiration, strong stand, and unwavering dedication to protect the people and the state under our responsibility,” said Vice Adm. Carlos.

Carlos met with troops, local government officials and residents, while at the island which serves as the seat of government of Palawan’s Kalayaan town that was established by virtue of Presidential Decree 1596 issued in 1978 by then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr, father of the current President.

“In collaboration with our peace partners, we have done our best in ensuring that the NSA’s official visit in Wescom’s area of responsibility is worthwhile and that there will be no stones unturned as to all security matters of utmost significance,” Vice Adm. Carlos said.

“Hence, Wescom’s commitment to national security and interests is and shall always be the order of the day,” he added.

President Marcos has vowed his administration will not allow a single square inch of the country’s territory to be lost. However, he said the country will be a friend to everyone and an enemy to no one under his administration’s independent foreign policy.

Wescom spokeswoman Maj. Cherry Tindog said Carlos arrived at the island at around 9 a.m. and stayed there for at least five hours.

Tindog said Carlos talked to local officials and residents during her stay in the island, and thanked the troops “for their efforts in protecting what is ours there.”

Asked if Carlos’ aircraft was “challenged” by the Chinese, Tindog said she was not sure. But she noted that Philippine military aircraft are subjected by the Chinese to radio challenges “every now and then.”

Tindog said Carlos joined the patrol of the aircraft before and after her visit in Pag-asa Island.

“Basically, she saw the situation in the areas (covered by the patrol). I think it’s very important that she will see for herself (the situation) as the NSA,” said Tindog.

CHINESE ENVOY

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Huang said he and Marcos “exchanged views on further strengthening the relationship between China and the Philippines for the benefit of both our peoples.”

“I’m fully confident that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Marcos, China-Philippines relationship will further grow and achieve more benefits in the years to come,” he added.

Marcos first received Huang in May when the latter relayed a congratulatory note on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping following the former’s victory in the elections, and again in July when the ambassador accompanied Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his meeting with President Marcos.

The Chinese government has invited Marcos to visit China. But no date has been set yet.

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