The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has reaffirmed the Philippines’ maritime rights over Sandy Cay, located approximately five nautical miles from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, home to a key Philippine military outpost.
In a statement dated April 27, 2025, the NTF-WPS announced the completion of an Inter-Agency Maritime Operation (IAMO) in the waters surrounding Pag-asa Cay 1, Cay 2, and Cay 3.
This response followed claims by the China Coast Guard that it had “implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction” over Sandy Cay, which it refers to as Tiexian Jiao.
“An Inter-Agency Maritime Operation (IAMO) at Pag-asa Cay 1, Cay 2, and Cay 3 and its surrounding waters was completed this morning, 27 April 2025,” NTF WPS said in a statement.
The operation, coordinated among the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police -Maritime Group, highlighted the Philippines’ lawful and routine exercise of maritime domain awareness and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
Four composite teams aboard rubber boats were deployed during the operation. Teams One and Two reached Cay-1, Team Three arrived at Cay-2, and Team Four landed at Cay-3.
While conducting their mission, the teams reported the illegal presence of China Coast Guard vessel 5102, located roughly 1,000 yards east of Cay-2, along with seven Chinese Maritime Militia vessels near Cay-2 and Cay-3.
The NTF-WPS underscored the operation as a demonstration of the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“Moreover, this routine inter-agency operation reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding its maritime domain, adhering to international law, and ensuring peace and stability in the region,” the task force said.