Kalayaan LGU names 6 sandbars, reefs in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — In a move to assert sovereignty over the country’s territory, the municipal government of Kalayaan islands in Palawan has officially named sandbars and reefs in the West Philippine Sea.

A municipal ordinance signed last week named the six sandbars and coral reefs as Pag-asa Cay 1, 2, 3 and 4 from nearest to farthest while the reefs were Pag-asa reef 1 and 2.

They were named after Pag-asa island, the nearest feature close to the cays and reefs and the seat of government of the municipality.

These cays and reefs have served as fishermen’s shelter during bad weather in the area, noted by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) as traditional fishing grounds of local residents, according to officials.

Maurice Philip Albayda, Kalayaan municipal officer, said the naming of cays and reefs is “a proactive approach that is a giant leap for our nation’s cause,” amid territorial disputes with China over the waters.

“We do not intend to stir any situation in the area. However this measure is an example of a brave move that, through we as a local government, with our limited mandates, can do a giant leap for our nation’s cause, sovereignty over our territory,” Albayda said in a text message.

“On a national implication, the naming means putting our ground more established in the disputed areas where we know we have already won in the 2016 PCA ruling,” he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana recently visited Pag-asa island as the government completed a ship beaching ramp, which makes it easier for more infrastructure projects to push through. President Duterte has yet to visit the island.