Philippine flag raised on Panguan Island (Abu Sayyaf 'island paradise')

The flag-raising ceremony took place on Saturday in Panguan Island in Tawi-Tawi.

The Philippine Marines has raised the Philippine flag in the country's southernmost island that used to be a hiding place for members of the Abu Sayyaf to signify that the island is in government control.

Panguan Island is located in Sibutu Channel, an international shipping lane, where the Abu Sayyaf  conduct its kidnapping activities.

"Dati, like this island yung Panguan, dinadanaan ito ng mga Abu Sayyaf. Dito sila nagtatago, dito sila nagpapahinga, dito sila kumakain. Dito sila naga-gas-up kumbaga," Parcon said.

one of the  female resident said that most of the island's residents now feel safer upon the arrival of the Phil Marines. "Mas kampante sila ngayon kaysa dati kasi mayroon ng pagpapatrolya," she said.

However, due to the location of Panguan Island this gave logistical problems in providing enough supply of food and potable water for the soldiers. The island also has no source of electricity.

Lt. Francis Ramirez, nonetheless, said the challenges in  being assigned to the island do not affect the performance of their mission as soldiers.

"Pag may namo-monitor kami na papalapit na o papasok na bangka nilalapitan namin gamit yung asset po dito na speedboat," Ramirez said.

Patrol ships from the Philippine Navy have started their constant surveillance missions to Sibutu Channel.

Furthermore,the United States government also helped the Armed Forces in building a ship monitoring center and radar system to better monitor vessels that enter the territory.

The US supported the construction of permanent barracks and monitoring facility at Turtle Islands to ensure the security at Celebes Sea.

The Phil Coast Guard also aims to build a lighthouse and radar station at Panguan Island, which is very close to Malaysia in the near future.

The local government hopes that the heightened security measures in Panguan Island and its nearby territories can help the small community in promoting its white sand beaches and clear waters to hopefully attract tourists in the near future.