Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela invited Senator Rodante Marcoleta to join a maritime domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
The invitation follows criticism of Marcoleta’s remarks, suggesting the Philippines consider “giving up” some KIG features outside the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
Tarriela said Pag-asa Island residents would welcome the senator and offered to join the flight personally.
Marcoleta later clarified that his comments were taken out of context and referred to technical requirements for listing the West Philippine Sea with the International Hydrographic Organization.
The Kalayaan Island Group, about 280 nautical miles west of Palawan, is a strategic Philippine-held area regularly patrolled by Chinese vessels.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 9, 2026
TARRIELA INVITES MARCOLETA TO JOIN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA MISSION FLIGHT
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