PAGASA ISLAND, KALAYAAN, Palawan — Renowned boxer and former Sen. Manny Pacquiao challenged critics he labeled “Filipino traitors” to visit this island to experience the realities of living in a maritime dispute with China.
Pacquiao, now chair and lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, was here on Friday to join the celebration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (Mana Mo).
The NAPC chair said Filipinos should unite and strengthen their resolve in the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
READ: Pagasa Island to open for ‘patriotic’ tours
“Ang masasabi ko lang sa ating mga kababayan, magkaisa tayo. (What I can say to my fellow citizens is we should unite),” he told covering newsmen, conceding that the trip gave him better perspective on what the country is asserting. “I’m happy to be here in Pagasa Island. Nakita ko yung mga barko ng China (I now see those Chinese ships), ” he said.
“Kailangan siguro pagtibayin natin yung samahan natin, ipakita natin sa kanila na hindi tayo basta-basta gi-give up sa sariling atin,” Pacquiao said.
(We need to reinforce this unity and show them we will not give up what is rightfully ours)
“Hindi naman tayo nakikipag-away, gusto natin makipagkaibigan, pero huwag naman to the point na kukuhanin yung sa’yo,” he added.
(We are not at war; we seek friendship but not at the expense of them taking from us)
Pacquiao said he finds the presence of Chinese vessels, which are anchored just a few kilometers away from the Pag Asa community, “insulting.”
“This is our territory, nandyan sila so parang nabu-bully tayo, ini-intimidate tayo (but they surround us like bullies and we will not be intimidated),” he said.
Pacquiao said he is looking forward to these differences between the Philippines and China being ironed out soon.
READ: West Philippine Sea: Large fleet of Chinese ships seen in Pagasa Island
“Doon sa mga Pilipino na medyo traydor, dapat pumunta kayo dito para maranasan niyo (yung buhay). Sa mga Pilipinong traydor, dapat mag-isip silang mabuti, Atin ‘to. Hindi maganda na sarili mong tahanan tapos kukunin,” he said.
( Filipinos who are a bit traitorous should come here and experience life on the island. Filipino traitors should think things over. This is ours, and it’s not good that our own house is being taken from us.)
Pacquiao turned over P500,000 to the local government of Kalayaan, saying he showed up to honor the troops standing vigil in this part of Philippine territory./coa
Contributed Photos
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