National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos visited Palawan and Pagasa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) on Wednesday in her first visit to the island municipality.
The security adviser went to Palawan before flying in to Pagasa Island, the seat of power of the Kalayaan municipality, on board a military aircraft.
“Her visit bespeaks of our common aspiration, strong stand, and unwavering dedication to protect the people and the state under our responsibility,” the military’s Western Command (WESTCOM) said in news statement.
In Pagasa, Carlos interacted with officials of the municipality, military officials and the island’s residents, according to the WESTCOM.
The KIG borders the West Philippine Sea or the country’s exclusive economic zone in that territory, which is being illegally disputed by China.
Courtesy call
Meanwhile, Italy’s Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente paid a courtesy call on Department of National Defense Senior Officer in Charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. where both discussed bilateral issues.
During their talks, the officials recalled the successful acquisition of AgustaWestland helicopters for the Philippine Navy and attack helicopters for the Philippine Air Force.
Clemente expressed the Italian government’s readiness to continuously support the capability upgrade program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Both sides have committed to work on a framework of cooperation to further enhance logistics cooperation between the Philippines and Italy.
Recognizing that both countries are prone to seismic and volcanic activities, Faustino and Clemente also discussed the possibility of cooperation in the area of civil defense.