(Photo by PIA)
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela reaffirmed that Batanes is an integral part of the Philippines amid claims by some Chinese scholars questioning the province’s territorial identity.
Speaking before residents of Batanes, Tarriela said the Philippine government stands with the Ivatan people in affirming their Filipino identity and the country’s sovereignty over the province.
Tarriela said he and National Security Council Deputy Director General Nestor Herico were sent to Batanes to demonstrate the national government’s solidarity with the province.
He said the issue gained attention after Chinese scholars claimed that Batanes had historical links to China. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines earlier rejected such assertions, saying reports from a June 30 symposium at Jinan University claimed the islands were historically linked to Taiwan and therefore China.
Tarriela said the claims were inconsistent with Batanes’ established history and the identity of the Ivatan people.
He also stressed the province’s strategic maritime location, noting that discussions on the West Philippine Sea should not be limited to Palawan and Scarborough Shoal.
“Most of the time, when we talk about the West Philippine Sea, people think that it can only be found in Palawan and Scarborough Shoal. We do not realize that the West Philippine Sea begins off the western side of Batanes,” Tarriela said.
The PCG official said Batanes’ maritime situation directly affects local communities because of their close dependence on the surrounding waters.
He urged Filipinos across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to remain united in recognizing Batanes as part of the Philippines.
The National Security Council earlier said there was “no ambiguity” over Batanes, describing it as an integral and indivisible part of the Philippines and rejecting the reported claims as having no merit.
Tarriela also said the regular raising of the Philippine flag serves as a reminder of the country’s independence and of the responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
“Whatever happens, Batanes will remain part of the Philippines,” he said.
