Not long after the Philippines hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial meetings, reports emerged that Chinese vessels have been gathering near Pag-Asa (Thitu) island in the West Philippine Sea. The source of the information is reportedly the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which has been monitoring Chinese activities close to our land features in the area. Magdalo Party-List Rep. Gary Alejano, a former decorated soldier with extensive contacts to former AFP colleagues, revealed the information during congressional hearings. DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, however, adopted a relatively a dismissive tone, downplaying the relevance of the reported converging of Chinese vessels near Pag-Asa, where we have a whole community, a mayor, and have maintained an airstrip with permanently stationed troops for at least four decades.

Heydarian, R. (2017, August 29). 5 important facts about China's alleged incursion in Pag-Asa Island. The Daily Guardian, p. 5.