President Duterte Tells China To Back Off Pag-Asa Island

President Duterte Won’t Allow China To Lay-off The Island

PRESIDENT DUTERTE – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte advised China to lay-off Pag-Asa Island.

“Pag-asa Island” is part of the Kalayaan, Palawan, Philippines and is located west of Puerto Princesa City.  It was claimed by Vietnam, China, and Taiwan.

The said island was filled with trees, sand bars, and shrubs. The government previously planned to make it as an eco-tourism zone.

PAGASA ISLAND
Photo Source: RMN Networks

Rodrigo Duterte gave a statement regarding the presence of Chinese vessels at the West Philippine Sea.

“I’m trying to tell China: ‘Yung Pag-asa is ours. We have been there since 1974. Kung inyo ‘yan, bakit hindi ninyo pinaalis kami?” he said.

President Duterte
Photo Source: GMA Network

Based on a report from CNN, Duterte wanted to stay friends with China but don’t try to barge on Pag-asa Island.

“Let us be friends, but do not touch Pag-asa Island and the rest… Pag ‘yan ang ginalaw ninyo, ibang istorya na ‘yan. Sabihin ko sa mga sundalo ko, ‘Prepare for suicide mission,'” he said.

However, the president said he would just settle the issue about the ownership of the island instead of letting his military die on a war against the East Asian giant.

China
Photo Source: Time Magazine

According to the report, Duterte also said something about his response once China will harm his countrymen.

“I said that is part of the conflict because they have gobbled up the whole of China Sea. Para sa kanila, kanila ‘yan. So they feel free to roam around and do whatever, but they actually never harmed or arrested any Filipino.”

“I am sure that it has something to do with the greater game of geopolitics and it is not directed to us. And I assure you that if they kill or arrest people there who are Filipinos, then that would be the time that we will have to decide on what to do,” he added.

PAGASA ISLAND 1
Photo Source: Inquirer

Based on the report, President Duterte clarified that he was not giving a warning to China. He’s only giving advice.

“This is not a warning; this is just a word of advice to my friends, kasi kaibigan tayo ng China.  So nakikiusap ako. I will not plead or beg, but I’m just telling you that lay off the Pag-asa because may mga sundalo ako diyan,” he said.

What can you say about this article? Leave your comment and reactions below.