DILG's Remulla: I will go to Kalayaan myself should China ban me

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed support Wednesday for the municipal officials of Kalayaan, Palawan after China declared them persona non grata.

"I will go there myself then they should ban me," Remulla told GMA News Online in a message.

"The Kalayaan Group of Islands is part of our territorial waters. We have been inhabiting it for over a century. In fact, it has its own local government unit. I will pay them a visit soon to reinvigorate our sovereign claim," he added.

With persona non grata declaration, the Kalayaan local officials are banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau.

On Tuesday, Chinese Embassy in the Philippines spokesperson Ji Lingpeng said that the move was made "based on the principle of reciprocity," after Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan was also declared persona non grata in Kalayaan following the exchange of statements between Filipino and Chinese officials amid the West Philippine Sea issue.

"The so-called 'Kalayaan Municipality' council of the Philippines adopted resolutions in 2023 and 2026 declaring the Chinese ambassador to be a persona non grata' in the municipality," Ji said.

"Based on the principle of reciprocity, the individuals involved in fabricating the said resolutions are not welcome to enter China (including Hong Kong and Macao)."

The following individuals have been banned from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macau:

• Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan
• Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda
• Councilor Nonelon Balbontin
• Councilor Nonie Gapuz
• Councilor Roberto Asiado
• Councilor Hubert Llavan
• Councilor Francis Polizon
• Councilor Marilou Vales
• Councilor Monico Abogado
• Councilor Eugenio Bito-onon
• Hermoso Ornopia
• Tracylie Shierjun Malabayabas
• Arzel Belidan
• Vicencio Milan
• Allan Dellosa
• Mary Cristina Lagrosa

— VDV, GMA Integrated News