Philippine senator calls out China in visit to disputed island, vows aid
Senator Risa Hontiveros visited Pag-asa Island, a Philippine possession in the disputed South China Sea, to call for stronger defense ties and continued pushback against China's claims. During her visit, she also committed to providing livelihood assistance and medical infrastructure for the island's 400 Filipino residents.
Senator Risa Hontiveros visited Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group on February 21, 2026, as part of a coordinated effort with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea involving the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Coast Guard. During her visit, she publicly called out China's actions in the disputed South China Sea and reaffirmed Philippine sovereignty over the territory. The senator met with local officials including Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan and Vice Mayor Maurice Albayda during her visit to the island, which is home to approximately 400-500 Filipino residents.
Hontiveros delivered substantial assistance to the island community, including over 20 portable desalinator machines, essential goods, and conducted a comprehensive medical mission featuring blood tests, urinalysis, ECG services, dental care, and portable laboratory equipment. She committed to securing livelihood assistance through coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment, including plans for solar-powered cold storage for fisherfolk through private sector corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The senator vowed to work with the Department of Health to ensure adequate medical equipment and infrastructure are accessible to residents, addressing healthcare needs in the remote municipality. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela praised Hontiveros for both the aid provided and her 'bravery' during the maritime flight to the disputed island, which is surrounded by Chinese military installations.
This visit occurs within the context of broader infrastructure development plans for the Kalayaan Island Group, including 2025 national budget allocations of P1.65 billion for Pag-asa Island airport upgrades and P300 million for a shelter port. Additional proposed projects include dredged wharves with breakwaters, barracks for military personnel, road improvements, and health worker dormitories to support the island's development and defense capabilities.
The visit follows previous high-profile Philippine delegations to Pag-asa Island, including a May 2024 visit by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and other senators who received radio challenges from China demanding they leave Philippine territory. Hontiveros's actions represent continued Philippine efforts to assert sovereignty while addressing the practical needs of residents living in the disputed territory amid ongoing tensions with China.
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