PUERTO PRINCESA, Feb. 24 -- The Philippine Navy's (PN) highest-ranking officer visited troops and military facilities on Pag-asa Island on Friday as efforts are underway to develop Kalayaan town's seat of governance as a tourist destination.

Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., the Philippine Navy's Flag Officer in Command, arrived with Commodore Alan Javier, commander of Naval Forces West (Navforwest), as well as other senior Navy officials and representatives of various sectors "to demonstrate the country's sovereignty over the contested area and its readiness to welcome everyone, including tourists," Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said Friday.

"It's a visit for the senior leadership of...