The West Philippine Sea should unite Filipinos beyond politics, a senior coast guard official said Monday as he sought the Catholic Church’s support in promoting awareness and national solidarity over the territorial dispute.
National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea spokesperson Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela met with Bishop Socrates Mesiona to discuss how the Church can help raise public understanding of what he described as a shared national concern.
“There may be many political differences among us, but the West Philippine Sea is ours. There is no question about that. This is a single unifying issue for our country. I believe the Church can help bring people together in understanding what is at stake,” Tarriela said.
He framed the issue not only as a geopolitical dispute but as a matter of national unity that cuts across partisan divisions.
Describing himself as “a church person,” Tarriela said his faith continues to guide his mission.
“I grew up in a family where faith was central to our life. My mother strongly influenced me, and she even once dreamed that I would become a priest. That formation continues to guide how I see my mission and service,” he said in Filipino.
The meeting also provided the backdrop for plans to build a Catholic chapel on Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan, to support the spiritual needs of government personnel and civilians stationed in the disputed waters.
In a separate press briefing, Tarriela said the chapel would serve the mostly Catholic population on the island, including members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Coast Guard personnel, and the PNP Maritime Group.
“The majority of our fellow Filipinos there are Catholics. It would be a welcome development if the Catholic Church is really willing to construct a church and even send a Catholic priest there to lead Mass every Sunday,” he said.
Mesiona welcomed the advocacy and assured prayers for peace and unity, affirming the Church’s role in guiding the faithful on issues of truth, justice, and national dignity.
Local officials in Kalayaan expressed support for the proposal. Officials are targeting a groundbreaking ceremony by the end of March, although the church’s name and patron saint have yet to be finalized.
