A quiet island municipality in the West Philippine Sea has found itself at the heart of a diplomatic storm. Sixteen officials from the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan have been barred from entering China, including Hong Kong and Macao, following resolutions that declared Chinese envoys persona non grata. What began as a local council action has grown into a headline-grabbing exchange between Manila and Beijing. Read on for the full story behind the ban and why this small town is making waves far beyond its shores.
Reciprocity or Retaliation?
In a statement released Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said the officials were “not welcome” in China based on the principle of reciprocity. The move came after the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalayaan passed resolutions in 2023 and again in January 2026 declaring Chinese ambassadors persona non grata within its jurisdiction. The latest resolution targeted Ambassador Jing Quan, citing alleged violations of diplomatic protocol and interference in Philippine internal affairs.
The earlier 2023 resolution involved former envoy Huang Xilian, following the August 5 water cannon incident near Ayungin Shoal. That maritime confrontation between Chinese vessels and Philippine Coast Guard ships stirred national outrage at the time. Kalayaan officials said their resolutions were rooted in defending territorial integrity and upholding local authority.
The Kalayaan 16
Among those banned are Mayor Beltzasar S. Alindogan, Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexis S. Albayda, Councilor Francis P. Polizon, and 13 other municipal officials. The group has since been referred to as the “Kalayaan 16.” Despite the travel ban, several of them appeared unfazed during a press conference, saying their actions were meant to stand firm on sovereignty issues.
Albayda described their move as a small step taken by a small town. Polizon echoed the sentiment, noting they did not expect their resolutions to draw such a strong response from Beijing. For them, the issue goes beyond travel restrictions and into the broader question of national dignity.
Recognition from Advocacy Groups
On the same day news of the ban circulated, the officials received the West Philippine Sea Heroes Award. The recognition was conferred by the Akbayan party and the Atin Ito coalition. Representatives including Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Dadah Kiram Ismula, Rafaela David, and Ed dela Torre attended the awarding.
David described the ban as retaliatory but said it ultimately highlighted Kalayaan’s authority as a legitimate local government unit. According to her, the action only strengthened public resolve. Supporters framed the restriction as a badge of honor rather than a setback.
Life on Pag-asa Island
Kalayaan is the country’s only municipality situated in the West Philippine Sea. Its seat of government is on Pag-asa Island, the largest feature in the Kalayaan Island Group. Around 400 residents live there, alongside military personnel and civilian government workers.
Manila maintains effective occupation and control over the island and asserts sovereignty within its 12 nautical mile territorial sea. The waters around Pag-asa often see the presence of Chinese vessels, sometimes entering areas claimed by the Philippines. This steady maritime tension forms the backdrop of the town council’s recent actions.
A Local Move with National Impact
What stands out in this dispute is how a municipal council resolution sparked an international response. Kalayaan’s leaders insist their stand reflects the will of their constituents and their role in protecting Philippine territory. The Chinese Embassy, meanwhile, maintains its move is consistent with diplomatic practice.
As the West Philippine Sea remains a flashpoint in regional geopolitics, the story of the Kalayaan 16 underscores how local governance can intersect with global tensions. For a town far from the mainland, Kalayaan has once again shown that its voice carries weight beyond its shores.
