Civilians plant the Philippine flag in a disputed feature in the South China Sea

A group of Filipino civilians, led by a Party-list congresswoman, planted a Philippine flag on an uninhabited cay in the South China Sea, asserting the country’s claim on a disputed feature.

Akbayan Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula poses beside the Philippine and Atin Ito flags planted on Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay) . Photo from Atin Ito Facebook page.

Manuel Mogato | May 3, 2026

MANILA — A group of Filipino civilians, led by a Party-list congresswoman, planted a Philippine flag on an uninhabited cay in the South China Sea, asserting the country’s claim on a disputed feature.

“This is a defiant but peaceful act of resistance against China’s aggression within our waters,” Akbayan Congresswoman Dadah Kiram Ismula said in a statement.

“Our message is clear: the West Philippine Sea is ours. No amount of intimidation can erase that fact.”

Under the cover of darkness, Ismulan, with a small group of “Atin Ito” volunteers, boarded a rubber boat for a short trip to Sandy Cay within the 12 nautical miles territorial waters of Pagasa Island, the largest feature occupied by the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The group evaded Chinese vessels guarding the cay, which Beijing also claimed but has not occupied.

“Matagumpay po nating naitaas ang ating bandila sa Pag-asa Cay 2 sa kabila ng mabigat na presensiya ng Tsina,” Ismula said, calling the action a peaceful but defiant stand against illegal incursions.

(We successfully raised our flag on Pag-asa Cay 2 despite heavy Chinese presence.)

Pag-asa Cay 2 is situated firmly within the Philippines’ territorial waters and is an extension of Pag-asa Island.

It has become a maritime flashpoint, with reports of Chinese Coast Guard presence and Philippine patrols. (Also read: Philippines rejects China’s sovereignty claim on West Philippine Sea)

Akbayan Party-list said the South China Sea feature is long subject to China’s expansive claims and nearby artificial island-building. “The mission underscores a growing civic movement asserting Philippine sovereignty despite escalating tensions,” it said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commended the “Atin Ito” Coalition for its fourth mission to the West Philippine Sea.

“This is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful assertion of our sovereign rights and a demonstration of active citizenship in the face of external challenges,” retired Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad, spokesman for the West Philippine Sea issue, said in a statement.

“By peacefully asserting our presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the “Atin Ito” mission amplifies the voice of our fisherfolk and local communities. It reinforces the truth that the WPS is not just a strategic maritime area, but an integral part of our national heritage and livelihood.” (Also read: Philippines says China poisoning with cyanide the waters around BRP Sierra Madre)

Trinidad said the military is committed to protecting the country’s territory and supporting peaceful, rules-based initiatives that uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“We stand in solidarity with every Filipino who bravely stands for what is rightfully ours,” he added.