Solons to China: Spratlys trip a civilian mission and unofficial

Stressing that they bear no “aggressive intentions" the four legislators who visited the Kalayaan Island Group or Spratlys said they came, saw, and pondered ways to address the basic needs of residents of the remote, Filipino-inhabited islands. On Pag-asa Island, Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Brawner Baguilat, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, and Akbayan Representatives Walden Bello and Arlene Bag-ao met with local elected officials and their constituents. Palawan Governor Abraham Mitra accompanied the members of Congress on their unofficial mission to his province’s remotest town. Mayor Eugene Bito-onon led residents of the municipality of Pag-asa in welcoming the first civilian flight to land on their island. The mayor said they need livelihood opportunities like marine farms. In a report on GMA News’ 24 Oras, Marisol Abduraman said the civilian flight to Pag-asa from Puerto Princesa took two hours and flew over six other islands before reaching their destination.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV According to the Year 2000 census, the Kalayaan Islands have a population of only 223. —ELR/VS, GMA News