PNP reaffirms support for Pag-asa Island amid Senate row over WPS

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reaffirmed its support for Pag-asa Island, home to around 400 residents and a part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This came days after Sen. Rodante Marcoleta drew flak for maintaining that the KIG was not part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and suggesting that the country give up its sovereignty over the islands.

“The PNP is committed to maintaining peace and order in the community of Pag-asa Island and ensuring the daily lives of civilians are unaffected by external issues,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Monday.

READ: Lacson defends ‘pro-PH’ senators, officials over WPS

“While the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) takes the lead in external defense, the role of the PNP is to ensure internal security, public safety, and peace and order in the community. We have personnel in the area to provide police service and assistance,” he added.

The top cop further said the PNP is coordinating with the AFP, the Philippine Coast Guard, the island’s local government and other agencies to ensure its safety, protection and plans for emergency response.

Nartatez noted that it was particularly the PNP Maritime Group that was involved in security measures for Pag-asa Island.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson refuted Marcoleta’s statement, saying that giving up the KIG was akin to surrendering Luzon or even the entire country. /apl