Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan President Rafaela David described the reported landing of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) on the sandbar last Sunday as a “poor copycat.”
This came after the coalition’s successful fourth civilian mission to Pag-asa Island, where activities included planting the Philippine flag on Pag-asa Cay 2.
David said China’s actions were a “clumsy imitation,” showing the impact of the Philippines’ civilian presence in the area, which she claimed prompted a “copycat version” from China.
Meanwhile, Akbayan Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula also rejected Beijing’s accusation that the group left trash on the sandbar, calling the claims baseless.
Ismula called the “tanim-basura” (planted trash) claim unfounded and ironic, pointing out that China has been widely criticized for environmental destruction in the West Philippine Sea, including damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems due to the construction of artificial islands.
He added that China has also been linked to environmentally harmful practices such as cyanide fishing.
The lawmaker clarified that the coalition and its volunteers did not bring or leave any of the trash shown in photos released by China.
He stressed that no amount of disinformation or imitation can erase the truth, and reaffirmed their commitment to asserting the country’s rights peacefully, lawfully, and with dignity.
(PHOTO COURTESY: ATIN ITO)
