FIRST PERSON: Chinese flares fired as Philippine Coast Guard plane passes WPS

Flying at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet, everything seemed smooth and serene as we navigated the clear skies over the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) aboard a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft on Thursday afternoon, April 9. 

Apart from the usual radio challenges from China, nothing out of the ordinary was afoot as the aircraft flew. 

Looking out the window, we stared at the picturesque maritime features with amazement. They were a sight to behold. The shallow waters exuded an aura of peace and tranquility, in stark contrast to the volatility that has gripped the WPS for decades over territorial disputes involving claimant countries. 

One of the captivating maritime features in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo by Jun Veneracion)

We were on our way back to Puerto Princesa in mainland Palawan after taking off from Pag-asa Island when the unexpected happened, at least in my book, when the plane reached 3 nautical miles from the location of Subi Reef, a Chinese-occupied artificial island. 

The radio challenges from a Chinese-speaking man became louder, and the delivery turned firm and forceful. 

And in the blink of an eye, much to my surprise, a spewing white smoke suddenly appeared, rising from the man-made island. “Nagpaputok ng flare, nag-flare sila, sir,”  one of the PCG pilots announced on the radio. 

But to the seasoned pilots and sailors on board the plane, including PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, the incident was par for the course. “Ginagawa naman nila lagi ang pag-deploy ng flares. Although ang flare na pinalipad nila ngayon is far from the aircraft,” said Tarriela. 

(They do deploy flares all the time. Although the flare they launched this time is far from the aircraft.)

PCG pilots remain calm and composed despite being bombarded with radio challenges from China. (Photo by Jun Veneracion)

After passing by Subi Reef from a distance, the PCG plane proceeded with its flight path. Then appeared what looked like an old lagoon except that it was surrounded by several dome-like pieces of equipment and concrete structures. “Mischief Reef,” a PCG officer pointed out to me. 

Mischief Reef is another maritime feature reclaimed and occupied by China. 

This time, at least 3 flares were fired as the civilian aircraft cruised at a distance of 3 nautical miles from Subi Reef. 

“Paano nga kung abutin itong aircraft natin (What if it reaches our aircraft), definitely it’s going to endanger the safety of the plane,” according to Tarriela. 

China launches flares as a PCG plane flies 3 nautical miles from Mischief Reef. (Photo by Jun Veneracion)

Apparently, China has upped the ante by resorting to flares as a weapon of sorts to drive away aircraft over areas where they had built military-like structures. 

Tarriela called the latest incidents a “clear and deliberate act of bullying.” 

The harassment came hours after the PCG activated the Coast Guard District Kalayaan Island Group. 

A ceremony was held at Pag-asa Island to mark the activation that aims to beef up PCG’s presence in the WPS by deploying more troops and resources.  

It was attended by top officials of the Department of Transportation and the PCG. The event coincided with the commemoration of the 84th Anniversary of the Day of Valor. 

“By establishing a permanent, dedicated command here in the Kalayaan Island Group,  we are declaring the same valor that defended our shores with our lives in 1942,” PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan told government troops assigned to Pag-asa Island. 

PCG Special Operations Group members stand guard outside the newly established Coast Guard District Kalayaan Island Group Headquarters on Pag-asa Island. (Photo by Jun Veneracion)

DOTR Secretary Giovanni Lopez, for his part, underscored the importance of the establishment of the new district command as a manifestation of the PCG’s commitment to safeguarding the country's interest. 

“Ito po ay permanente at konkretong  hakbang ng Pilipinas ng Philippine Coast Guard na tinatayuan at pinaninindigan ang kanilang pangako na pangangalagaan ang Pilipinas at soberanya ng Pilipinas,” according to Lopez. 

(This is a permanent and concrete step by the Philippines through the Philippine Coast Guard, which establishes and upholds its commitment to protect the Philippines and its sovereignty.)

Aside from sailors, the PCG also plans to assign personnel with a background in medicine, education, among others, to help in the delivery of basic services to the more than 300 civilian residents in Pag-asa Island. 

“Magandang development ito (This is a good development),” said Kalayaan Mayor Billy Alindogan. —LDF, GMA News