AFP to continue with Pagasa Island resupply missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): AFP to continue with Pagasa Island resupply missions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced that it will continue with its efforts to resupply with basic necessities its outpost in Pagasa Island, and the civilians living there.

Pagasa Island is the largest of the 10 Filipino-owned features being claimed by the country in the West Philippine Sea.

Of the seven islands and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines, Pagasa is the largest measuring 37.2 hectares.

Other Philippine possessions in the Spratlys include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares, Parola Island, 12.7 hectares, Lawak Island 7.93 hectares, Kota Island, 6. 45 hectares, Patag Island, 0.57, Panata Island, 0.44, Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri said the resupply efforts will continue as it is part of the military's mandate to protect the people and the state.

He made this statement in wake of earlier attempts by China to block or intercept Philippine supply ships carrying vital supplies to Pagasa Island.

In the same vein, Iriberri added that Philippine aerial patrols will continue in areas being claimed by the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=789101