Military official bars youth group from traveling to Kalayaan Islands

(Photo courtesy of Kalayaan, Palawan website)

Members of a youth group were prohibited by military personnel to travel to the Kalayaan Islands in Palawan, an archipelago claimed by China.

Members of Kalayaan Atin Ito movement hoped to embark on a journey to the Kalayaan Island on Nov. 30 to protest China’s bullying over the disputed West Philippine Sea but were forbidden by the Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa City.

In a meeting with Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez of Wescom, Kalayaan Atin Ito member were told not to continue their plans on journeying to the Kalayaan Islands as “it will anger China.”

“Personally, I am not in favor of that… we endanger unnecessarily the lives of the participants. What they will do is unnecessary risk,” Lopes told the        Philippines Star in an earlier statement.

“They do not know how treacherous the sea condition is right now. If ever they will do that, they are ill-advised,” he added.

Mariel Ipan, a student volunteer for the Kalayaan Atin Ito movement said that Lopez’ statement was “irresponsible,”

“I am assuming this is just your personal knee-jerk and irresponsible statement and not an official statement (of the military),” Ipan was quoted as saying in the same report.

Lopez praised Ret. Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban who said in 2013 that he, along with his troops, would combat the Chinese even if they only had bolos. Ipan said that Lopez should  do the same.

“Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, now that it is your term, seven artificial reefs were made by China in the coast of Palawan,” Ipan said in the same report.

“You might want to explain to us youth, who are ready to sail and fight for the territory that was taken by China, as to why this has happened while you were the chief before you stop us from sailing in order to fight for our independence,” Ipan added.