AFP chief's Pagasa flight unchallenged by Chinese

From the Philippine News Agency (May 11): AFP chief's Pagasa flight unchallenged by Chinese

Despite simmering tensions at the West Philippine Sea, the Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo plane carrying Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and select members of the media was able to make a normal approach and departure from Pagasa Island Monday.

Pagasa is the island where Kalayaan town is located.

This is despite earlier Chinese attempts to challenge Philippine military planes conducting sovereignty patrols in the area.

"We just landed safely without being challenged and I congratulate the pilot because the runway is very short so we’re always at the tip of the runway when we're about to land or stop so I congratulate the pilot who is very good in landing, it's quite a short runway," he said.

The AFP chief's flight left Villamor Air Base, Pasay City around 6 a.m. It arrived at Puerto Princesa around 8 a.m. where it refueled before making its flight and landing at Pagasa Island around 11 a.m.

He and his party departed the locality around 2 p.m. and arrived at Puerto Princesa, Palawan at 4:15 p.m.

Catapang said the short and dilapidated runway being used by Philippine forces in the area justifies the need to improve the runway because it is very difficult to land in.

He added that his visit to Pagasa Island is part of his farewell call as he is scheduled to retire by July.

Catapang said he made the visit at the invitation of Kalayaan town mayor Eugenio Bito-onon.

However, prior to landing at Pagasa Island, Catapang said he spotted Chinese reclamation works at Subi Reef and described it as "enormous".

Catapang also said that part of his visit is aimed at determining how the AFP can help in further developing Pagasa Island which experts describe as a rich fishing ground and ideal tourism spot.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=760742