Kalayaan, Palawan officials cited as West PH Sea heroes after China ban

Akbayan Party-list and Atin Ito coalition on Tuesday recognized as West Philippine Sea (WPS) heroes the 16 local officials of Kalayaan municipality in Palawan banned by China.

The groups gave the WPS Heroes Award to the local officials, collectively known as Kalayaan 16, on Chinese New Year, saying it was very deserving given how they have put up a brave stand against repeated Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea and within the country’s exclusive economic zone which are nearby their hometown.

"Kalayaan 16 are modern day heroes. They prove that there are no “casual commentators” when it comes to our sovereignty. Ordinary Filipinos are at the frontlines of our defense of the West Philippine Sea. China’s harassment only makes us stronger,” said Akbayan Party president Rafaela David, who has led civilian aid missions to the West Philippine Sea.

China banned Kalayaan local officials from entering China, Hong Kong and Macau after the town declared Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata and banned the diplomat from setting foot in the Kalayaan islands.

“China’s retaliatory ban has, in truth, backfired. China’s very act of banning the Kalayaan 16 is an effective recognition of the authority of the Municipality of Kalayaan as an official government unit of the Philippines,” David said.

Kalayaan Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis Albayda, Sangguniang Bayan Member Francis Polizon, and other personnel of the municipal government, accepted the distinction in behalf of the local government officials.

"Ngayong panahon pinakamasarap maging Pilipino. Karangalang maituturing ang mamatay para sa bayan. Kadakilaan ang mabuhay para rito!,” Albayda said after receiving the award.

(This is the best time to be a Filipino. It is an honor to live and die for our country.)

In the same press conference, House Deputy Minority Leader Chel Diokno reiterated his call for the passage of the West Philippine Sea Education Bill under House Bill 1625 “to combat misinformation and 'Tsinador' narratives in honor of the brave heroes defending the WPS.”

"The Kalayaan 16 are heroes because they represent our nation’s collective struggle to defend our territory and sovereignty in the WPS. Like them, we must all stand firm against intimidation and harassment by foreign powers. That is why we must pass our WPS Education Bill. When our people know the truth about the West Philippine Sea, it becomes harder to deceive and silence us,” Diokno said.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña and Dadah Ismula, for their part, pledged to ensure that the bravery of Kalayaan residents is matched by government investment:

“Our support for our Kalayaan Island residents goes beyond mere rhetoric. Akbayan will push for greater budgetary support for the civilian community—from basic services to infrastructure. Hindi natin sila pwedeng iwan sa ere lalo na ngayong mas tumitindi ang pang-bubully ng China sa mga opisyal at mga residente ng Kalayaan,” Cendaña said.

(We can’t leave them hanging, especially amid intensified Chinese bullying.)

“Tutulungan natin ang komunidad ng Kalayaan na gawing sentro ng turismo at kabuhayan ang kanilang isla bilang pagtindig sa ating karapatan. By making portions of Kalayaan as destinations for ecotourism, we are not afraid to take care and develop what is rightfully ours,” Ismulah added.

(We would aid the Kalayaan community in making their hometown the center of tourism and livelihood in pushing for our rights.)

In a separate statement, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Party-list Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Atty. Renee Louise Co called out the Chinese government by citing that threats or warnings of economic sanctions or consequences against the Philippines are not consistent with calls for peaceful resolution.

“Such threats undermine diplomatic efforts and breed resentment among the Filipino people, who have long valued friendship and cooperation with the Chinese people. The Chinese government should dial down its rhetoric and cease its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, including harassment of Filipino fisherfolk, blocking of Philippine vessels conducting legitimate resupply and patrol missions, and militarization of disputed features. These actions violate international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral ruling that affirmed Philippine sovereign rights,” they said.

“Peaceful coexistence can only be achieved if China respects Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights, and if disputes are resolved through dialogue and adherence to international law—not through coercion or intimidation,” they added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News