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Atin Ito Plants Philippine Flag on Pag-asa Cay 2 Amid Chinese Vessel Presence

Article by J. Salazar

Published on May 4, 2026 3:00PM


Civil society coalition Atin Ito successfully planted the Philippine flag on Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) in the West Philippine Sea during its fourth civilian mission on Sunday. ¹ ² ³ ⁹ Led by Akbayan Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula, the team departed Pag-asa Island at 5:40 a.m. aboard a rubber boat, navigating past patrolling Chinese vessels in a defiant act against Beijing's aggression. ¹ ³ ⁷ ⁸ ¹⁰


The pre-dawn operation reached the cay despite heavy Chinese presence, with the group hoisting the flag as a peaceful assertion of sovereignty. ¹ ² Ismula emphasized slipping past nearby Chinese ships, calling it a resolute stand within Philippine territorial waters. ³ ⁵ ¹¹


Pag-asa Cay 2, part of the Pag-asa Island area, has become a tension point due to Chinese Coast Guard activities and Philippine patrols. ¹ ³


“We successfully raised our flag at Pag-asa Cay 2 despite the heavy Chinese presence,” Ismula stated, adding, “This is a defiant but peaceful act of resistance against China’s aggression... Our message is clear: the West Philippine Sea is ours. No amount of intimidation can erase that fact.¹ ² ³


The Armed Forces of the Philippines supported the mission, with spokesperson Roy Vincent Trinidad calling it a “profound testament to the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people” and an amplification of fisherfolk voices. ²


This marks Atin Ito's latest effort in the "Balik Pag-asa" missions to assert rights amid ongoing disputes. ¹ The area faces China's sweeping claims and artificial island activities, prompting increased civic actions. ³


_________________________________________________ Notes:


¹ WPS: Atin Ito plants PH flag on Pag-asa Cay 2 amid Chinese presence https://www.inquirer.net/474122/wps-atin-ito-plants-ph-flag-on-pag-asa-cay-2-amid-chinese-presence/



³ PCG: Aircraft, vessels sent after 4 Chinese ships operating illegally ... https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/986222/pcg-chinese-ships-philippine-waters/story/?amp



MAY NAG JET SKI NA SA WEST PH SEA! Pinangunahan ni ... https://www.instagram.com/reel/DX36nseET8N/


Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula, nag-jetski sa Pag-asa Island https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_XN1j3zuFs



Atin Ito Coalition plants PH flag in Pag-asa Cay 2 | GMA News https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQNdoGmUU08



¹⁰ PH civilian mission plants PH flag on Pagasa Cay 2 amid Chinese ... https://x.com/gmanews/status/2050741791280996458






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