Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela has extended an invitation to Senator Rodante Marcoleta to join a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) following the lawmaker’s controversial suggestions regarding the territory.
Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, issued the invitation via social media on Saturday, offering to personally arrange and join the flight for the senator.
The move comes after Marcoleta drew criticism during a Commission on Appointments hearing last Thursday, where he suggested that the Philippines should “give up” the KIG to simplify maritime coordination.
Marcoleta argued that the islands are located outside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“Let us give Sen. Marcoleta a chance. I am sure that he is truly a patriotic public servant who can stand for our rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said in his post. “I am sure that the people of Pag-asa will be happy to welcome you.”
While Pag-asa Island—the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the KIG—is located beyond the 200-nautical-mile EEZ, maritime experts note that as an inhabited island, it generates its own territorial sea under international law.
The island is a functioning municipality of Palawan, complete with a school, clinic, and a resident civilian population.
The Commodore emphasized that the PCG and other uniformed services remain committed to defending the territory. “We will never surrender the Kalayaan Island Group,” Tarriela added, reminding public officials of their oath to defend the nation’s sovereignty.
Senator Marcoleta has previously stated that his comments were taken out of context, though he has yet to publicly respond to the Coast Guard’s invitation.
