Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for West Philippine Sea, on Sunday (Feb 8) invited Sen. Rodante Marcoleta to personally witness a maritime domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group.

Tarriela aired the invitation in his social media post in an apparent nudge at the opposition senator who recently recommended that Philippines should consider “giving up” the KIG which is being claimed by China.

Marcoleta claimed that some of the features of the contested island is no longer within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

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

Marcoleta drew strong criticisms from fellow lawmakers and maritime security advocates.

Garriela said Marcoleta should be given a chance to personally visit the contested area, adding that he could arrange flight for the senator.

According to the PCG officer, residents of Pag-asa island would surely be “happy to welcome” Marcoleta.

The KIG is located around 280 nautical miles west of Palawan in the South China Sea. . Both the Philippines and China are laying claim overthe territory.

Included in the KIG is Pag-asa Island which is a municipality of Palawan.