MANILA PHILIPPPINES – The National Security Council (NSC) reaffirmed its commitment to protect and secure the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
According to National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año, maintaining our sovereignty in the WPS will remain a top priority of the government.
This is also because of the 2016 Arbitral Award we are holding where we won based on the international order to protect our maritime rights.
“We stand firm in upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award, and adhere to a rules-based international order to ensure our maritime entitlements are respected,” according to Año.
Following this, Año said that aside from the internal threat, they are also continuing their efforts to address the external threat in the country.
This statement also after the celebration of the 126th anniversary of the Independence Day and the intensifying global challenges facing our country.
“Despite the complexities and uncertainties of today’s world, our unity and resolve will help us navigate these challenges and emerge together,” added the secretary.
Meanwhile the Philippine Navy condems the recent maritime exercise of china in Philippines Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ.
According to Ph Navy Spokesperson for the West Phil. Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad the said activity of China is illegal, threatening, aggressive and deceptive by not coordinating in the Philippine Government.
Trinidad reported that the activity included a landing ship, a warship, and two support vessels of China also conducted helicopter and hovercraft operations near part of the Sabina Shoal.