DFA: Pag-asa Island, Cays belong to Philippines

The Department of Foreign Affairs countered recent remarks by the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy yesterday questioning Philippine activities on Pag-asa Island and its cays in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

"The Department of Foreign Affairs rejects and refutes the recent statements of the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Manila regarding Pag-asa Island and the Pag-asa Cays, and the activities of Philippine authorities in the area," its statement read.

"The fundamental fact is that Pag-asa Island and the Pag-asa Cays form part of the Kalayaan Island Group, which is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has longstanding sovereignty and jurisdiction," the DFA stressed.