Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday called on more government officials, civil society groups, academic institutions, media representatives, and the private sector to visit the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) to strengthen national awareness and solidarity amid China's continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Pangilinan made the call after visiting Pagasa Island, where he met with residents and assessed their concerns.

According to Philippines News Agency, the visit highlighted the need to further support and modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard, particularly in safeguarding the country's maritime zones. Pangilinan emphasized that a broader civilian and institutional presence in the area could help strengthen the Philippines' position and demonstrate unity in defending the country's rights under the 2016 arbitral ruling. He noted that the presence of civil society groups and the private sector alongside the Coast Guard in activities that bolster the Philippines' claim tends to deter rivals.

Pangilinan stressed the importance of both state action and public participation in defending the country's waters. He advocated for a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in protecting the Exclusive Economic Zone, territorial waters, and national sovereignty. The senator's visit aimed to identify the military's needs, including additional vessels and equipment, ahead of budget deliberations. He underscored that while the Philippines does not seek conflict, it must enhance its capacity to patrol its own waters.