The latter should not be confused with the aboriginal Yami of Taiwan who live on islands farther north beyond Philippine territorial limits, but are geographically, culturally and linguistically related to the Ivatan people.

The island is rocky on the coasts but covered in lush vegetation, including mangrove, vuyavuy palms and other native shrubs.

[4][5] In May 2021, the Department of Defense of the Philippines announced the electrification of the island through a solar power station, with a back-up diesel generator.

It serves as our watchful sentinel in the northernmost beaches of our maritime borders, ensuring the security and sovereignty of our homeland," Fernyl G. Buca, AFP Northern Luzon Command said.

[7] In March 2024, "The plan to construct a US-funded civilian port in Mavulis Island, developed in coordination with the Philippine military, aims to accommodate fleeing Filipino workers in Taiwan in the event of a crisis" Governor Marilou Cayco said.

Philippine Naval chief Toribio Adaci Jr. added the country needed to improve its capabilities against possible threats of conquest or invasion.