PH coastguard ships show world who’s boss over Kalayaan Island Group

PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. says three ships were stationed at the Kalayaan Group of Islands to emphasize how visible the Philippine ships are in the area. PHOTO/Screenshot from DOTr Facebook post.

MANILA, Philippines — On the celebration of National Flag Day, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships sailed to the Kalayaan Island Group to wave the Philippine flag for the world to see who owns the territory.

As seen in a video posted on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Facebook page, PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. said three ships were stationed at the Kalayaan Group of Islands to emphasize how visible the Philippine ships are in the area.

“Ito ay mga Coast Guard vessels para iwagayway nang mataas palagi ang national flag of the Philippines. Ipinapakita natin sa buong mundo na itong lugar ng Kalayaan Island Group ay atin,” he said.

(These are Coast Guard vessels that wave the Philippine flags. We’re showing the world who owns the Kalayaan Island Group.)

PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr.

“Sa pamamagitan ng tuluy-tuloy na pagpapakita ng presensya ng puting barko ng Pilipinas, with our national flag being raised high, we are doing it in a peaceful at legal na paraan para ipakita sa buong mundo na ang Pilipinas ay atin talaga itong teritoryong ito,” he added.

(In the continued presence of white ships, our national flag raised high, we’re showing the world that the territory is ours, peacefully and legally.)

In its post, the DOTr said the PCG will promote the proper use of the Philippine Flag from May 28 to June 12.

Holding ground, building hope on Pag-asa Island

abc