Investigation into China’s occupation of Sandy Cay has been sought by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, calling the move a blatant violation of Philippine sovereignty.
Tolentino urged an inquiry into the reported illegal occupation of Sandy Cay, a sandbar within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
He emphasized that the incident poses a direct threat to national sovereignty, describing China’s actions as a brazen encroachment on Philippine territory.
The senator filed a resolution urging the entire government to act decisively and to send a strong message to the international community that the Philippines will not tolerate illegal intrusions.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada echoed the call, stressing the need for unified action among government agencies to determine the facts and to consider diplomatic and legal responses.
The resolution also requested the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of National Defense, and the National Security Council to submit reports detailing measures being taken to address the incident and prevent future violations.
Sandy Cay is located just two nautical miles from Pag-asa Island and is recognized as part of Philippine territory under international law