Brawner inspects Pag-asa Island outpost

The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) visited Pag-asa Island to assess conditions faced by troops stationed in one of the country’s most remote and strategically sensitive outposts in the West Philippine Sea.

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. traveled to the Kalayaan Island Group on May 22 as he met with personnel deployed on Pag-asa Island and awarded troops stationed in the area.

“We recognize that what you are doing here … is maintaining peace in this part of our country,” he said, noting that personnel in the area play a role in protecting Philippine territory and maritime interests.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. meets with Mayor Billy Alindogan of the Municipality of Kalayaan during his visit to Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan Island Group on May 22. Photo by SSg Ambay PA, Cpl Esteban PN(M) / PAOAFP

Military officials said the visit forms part of efforts by the AFP leadership to directly engage frontline personnel and monitor both operational readiness and troop welfare, particularly in far-flung assignments.

Also present during the inspection were Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alan

Pag-asa Island hosts a small civilian community alongside military forces and remains a key Philippine-held feature in the Kalayaan Island Group, where maintaining a sustained presence is seen as central to asserting the country’s claims. —VAL, GMA News