(April 28, 2025) – The Malacañang on Monday assured the public that Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea remains under the control of the Philippines, refuting the claims of China.
This came after international news agency Agence France Presse reported that the China Coast Guard (CCG) went to Sandy Cay to assert “sovereignty and jurisdiction,” conduct an “inspection,” and “collect video evidence regarding the illegal activities” of the Philippines.
Presidential Communications Office undersecretary Claire Castro said the Philippines succeeded in its routine patrol in the said territory on Sunday, citing National Security Council (NSC) assistant director general Jonathan Malaya.
“Ang inter-agency maritime operation nagsagawa ng pagbisita, routine and lawful exercise dito sa maritime domain natin,” said Castro in a media briefing. “Kumpleto nilang naisagawa ito at pinasisinungalingan natin na ito ay na-seize ng China.
Sandy Cay is part of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, which overlaps with the South China Sea, a strategic waterway where an estimated $3.3 trillion worth of global trade passes every year.
The NSC also reiterated that there’s no truth to the CCG’s claims.
“We urge the People’s Republic of China and the CCG to act with restraint and not increase tension in the West Philippine Sea. We remind them of their commitment in the 2022 Declaration of Conduct wherein it was agreed (upon) by those nations that signed it that there will be no occupation, moving forward, of occupied features,” said Malaya.
The Philippines found no evidence of China’s forces occupying Sandy Cay and its surrounding waters but did observe the CCG and militia vessels loitering nearby, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
PCG spokesperson Cdre. Jay Tarriela dismissed China’s claims as “lie and disinformation,” showing pictures and videos of their personnel holding the country’s flag in Sandy Cay.
“Tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang pagprotekta sa lahat ng karapatan ng bansa na naaayon sa international law. Pero may paniniguro na ito ay para sa peace and stability,” said Castro.
(With reports from Maricel Halili, News5)
(PM)
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