Castro: Gov’t standing ground amid reported Sandy Cay seizure

File photo of the Sandy Cay, a sandbar just 7.4 kilometers (4 nautical miles) from Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel at a distance. Philippine Daily Inquirer/Marianne Bermudez

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration will remain firm in defending the country’s rights over its territories amid claims that Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea had been seized by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG), a Palace official said on Monday.

Citing state broadcaster CCTV, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on April 27 that the CCG “implemented maritime control” over Sandy Cay in the middle of April. This, however, was belied by Philippine government officials.

READ: PCG: Maritime op at Pag-asa Cay proves China’s claim is false

At a briefing in Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro was asked for the president’s reaction and directive on the matter.

“Let us rely on President Marcos’ unwavering dedication to fighting for our rights in our territory, our maritime rights, especially here in the West Philippine Sea,” she responded in Filipino.

Sandy Cay lies near Thitu Island, also called Pag-asa and the site of a Philippine military facility.

According to the AFP report, the CCG landed on Sandy Cay to “exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction” over the reef, carry out an “inspection,” and “collect video evidence regarding the illegal activities of the Philippine side.”

READ: Tolentino slams China Coast Guard for seizing Sandy Cay in West PH Sea

In a press briefing held on the same day, both National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya and PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela refuted the alleged seizure.

Tarriela said the Inter-Agency Maritime Operation conducted by the Philippine authorities at Pag-asa Cay 1, Cay 2, and Cay 3 and their surrounding waters on Sunday morning negates China’s claim.