The Philippine Department of National Defense rejected statements from China's defense ministry asserting sovereignty over features in the West Philippine Sea, including Pag-asa Island and Lawak Island, reaffirming that these territories remain under Philippine administration and jurisdiction under international law.

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines — Personnel of the Joint Task Unit Pag-asa (JTUP) under the Western Naval Command (WesNavCom) station at the Pag-asa Island released a total of 57 sea turtle hatchlings into the West Philippine Sea on Monday, May 18. WesNavCom said the hatchlings were found on the island’s shores and were temporarily

On Pag-asa Island, a child waving the Philippine flag swayed to “Teritoryo” (Territory) by the hip-hop group Morobeats, drawing tears from residents, volunteers of the Atin Ito Coalition, and journalists covering their latest mission in the West Philippine Sea. “It gave us goosebumps. We got emotional and had to look away for a moment because