AFP reiterates won't cede 'one square inch' of territory after Marcoleta's 'give up' remark

Members of the Philippine Navy hold a flag raising ceremony at the Mavulis Island, Batanes, the country’s northernmost island and first line of defense on Saturday. Photo courtesy of BRP Antonio Luna (FF151)/File/Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATE) — The Philippine military on Monday said it is guided by a policy of "not giving up one square inch" of Philippine territory following remarks by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta that appeared to suggest it may be easier to let go of the Kalayaan Island Group amid tensions with China.

READ: What is the Kalayaan Group of Islands and why is it important to PH?

Responding to media queries on the issue, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad reiterated the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) mandate to protect the country's national sovereignty and secure the integrity of its territory.

"Guided by a policy of 'not giving up one square inch' and a matching strategy of comprehensive archipelagic defense, your AFP will continue performing its mandate with utmost professionalism and love for country," Trinidad said in a Viber message.

READ: Tarriela invites Marcoleta on flight over Kalayaan Island Group

Trinidad noted that the extent of the national territory that the AFP has sworn to protect includes the contested Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group.

The two features are claimed wholly or in part by several countries, including the Philippines, which asserts its claims based on geographic proximity, effective occupation, and international law.

"Throughout history, the Armed Forces has never wavered in performing this mandate and we have proven it time and again," Trinidad said.

During a Committee on Appointments hearing last week, Marcoleta said the Philippines should "give up" the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan, claiming that some of its features are "way beyond" the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The senator later claimed that his statement was taken out of context.

READ: Maritime law expert slams Marcoleta's call to give up Kalayaan islands

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri appealed for fairness for Marcoleta and rejected the idea of giving up the Kalayaan Island Group.

"I will have to check first what Sen. Marcoleta really meant, especially since he is now denying the statement, and he should be given the chance to explain," Zubiri said in a statement. 

"Pero malinaw ang prinsipyo natin: ang Pilipinas ay atin, ang WPS (West Philippine Sea) ay atin, at ang KIG (Kalayaan Island Group) ay atin at hindi puwedeng isuko kailanman," he added.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Saturday also rejected a suggestion to give up the Kalayaan Island Group, which he said is no different from surrendering Luzon or even the entire country.

During the Commission on Appointments' hearing last Wednesday, he countered Marcoleta's suggestion that the Philippines give up the Kalayaan Island Group by citing a longstanding legal principle supporting the Philippines' ownership of the islands.

'FRIENDLY DEBATE'

Meanwhile, Marcoleta on Monday sought a "friendly debate" with his critics regarding the West Philippine Sea and the Kalayaan Island Group.

Asked to respond to his critics' comments on the issue, Marcoleta said, "Mayroong mas magandang gawin doon. Bago 'yun, pakisabi n'yo kay Commodore [Jay] Tarriela, kasama si [former Supreme Court Associate] Justice [Antonio] Carpio, and sino ba 'yung professor sa UP? Magkita-kita muna kami para sa isang friendly debate."

"Bago pa 'yung pagpunta doon. Para sa ganun, maayos natin. Para sa kapakanan ng ating bayan," he added. —With reports from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

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