The Atin Ito coalition has condemned China's recent activities on Pag-asa Cay 2, also known as Sandy Cay, labeling them as a "copycat" maneuver. They dismissed claims made by Chinese authorities regarding debris left on the island as disinformation.
In a Facebook post, the Chinese state-run Global Times published images of the China Coast Guard raising their flag on Sandy Cay. The publication claimed these actions showcased their sovereignty and alleged illegal activities by the Philippines that harmed the reef.
Rafaela David, co-convenor of Atin Ito and president of Akbayan, criticized the Chinese actions as unlawful and a poor imitation of a previous mission where civilians raised the Philippine flag at the site.
What China did after our successful civilian-led action is nothing but a clumsy imitation.
Rafaela David
David emphasized that China's move underscored the strength of the Philippines' claims, compelling them to replicate a similar action.
Akbayan Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula, who led the flag-raising event, rejected allegations that Filipinos had left trash on the island. She characterized these accusations as an attempt to misrepresent the situation.
China is resorting to 'tanim basura' (planting trash). The accusation is both baseless and ironic.
Dadah Kiram Ismula
Ismula pointed out that it is China, not the Philippines, that has faced criticism for damaging marine ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea through harmful practices like artificial island construction.
She affirmed that no amount of imitation or false claims could alter the reality that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Philippines. Ismula vowed that Filipinos will continue to assert their rights peacefully and with dignity.
We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced in defending what is ours.
Dadah Kiram Ismula