PHILIPPINE flags
were raised in two territories in the contested waters of the South China Sea
in observation of the country’s 117th Independence Day and in defiance of
China ’s
claim to the same islands.
Two separate flag
raising ceremonies were held on the islet of Sierra Madre and Pagasa Island ,
both of which are within the Philippines ’
exclusive economic zone near the Palawan
frontier, said Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Babunoc.
In Sierra Madre,
Filipino troops manning the islet hoisted the flag, while local government
officials led by Mayor Bitoonon led the ceremony on Pagasa Island .
“The raising of
flags in both Philippine territories is a glaring display of the presence of our
troops deployed in the area and to show ownership to both areas,” Cabunoc said.
He described the
ceremony as a manifestation of nationalism of the troops despite the aggressive
behavior of China in the South China Sea .
“Our soldiers are
prepared to defend these territories from any armed aggression,” Cabunoc said.
Philippine flags
were also raised in all Navy detachments facing the South
China Sea .
Last week the G7
countries also chided China
for its reclamation operations in the disputed territories.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/13/ph-flags-raised-in-disputed-sea/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.