Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 24) — Senatorial aspirant and retired Philippine National Police chief Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday said he agrees that there should be more police officers securing the Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
“Nabanggit din ni Senator Ping Lacson…na talagang dapat palakasin pa iyong ating pwersa doon — hindi man kailangang para matapatan dahil imposible nating matapatan itong Chinese military dun — pero para magkaroon ng dignidad iyong ating mga pulis na naka-assign dun,” Eleazar said during a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
[Translation: Senator Ping Lacson also mentioned that we need to strengthen the police force there — not to match the number of Chinese military personnel because that would be impossible — but for police officers assigned there to have dignity.]
Only two police officers are currently assigned in the island, he noted.
His remark comes days after the Chinese navy warned the plane carrying Eleazar, Lacson, and others to stay away as it flew to Pag-asa Island.
The former PNP chief said it was “disappointing” to receive a radio warning in the Philippine territory. He also said they got the text message “Welcome to China” upon landing on the island.
Eleazar is running for senator and Lacson for president under Partido Reporma in the 2022 elections.
WATCH: Chinese authorities radio challenge Pag-asa Island-bound flight
