Maritime council backs Marcos' stand on WPS
THE National Maritime Council (NMC) backed the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the country would not be cowered in asserting and defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Established through an Executive Order in March 2024, the NMC's main task is to strengthen Philippine maritime security and raise awareness in the face of "serious challenges" that threaten the country's territorial integrity. In a statement released over the weekend, the NMC said the government's firm resolve to address any foreign intrusion is within the bounds of international law. "We stand resolute against any foreign intrusion into our maritime zones and will never cease upholding our rights and honoring our duties under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the 2016 Arbitral Award," the council said. "The Philippines, while committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and proper diplomatic approaches, will never waver in protecting its national territory and maritime domain," it added. Marcos last Feb. 6 reiterated that Philippine forces would continue to keep watch over the country's exclusive economic zones (EEZ) "even if they (foreign vessels) collide with our ship, even if they use a water cannon, even if they block us." The president made the remarks amid the continuous imposing presence of Chinese vessels such as the China Coast Guard's "monster ship," which has been "patrolling" the waters off Zambales for more than a month now.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE National Maritime Council (NMC) backed the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the country would not be cowered in asserting and defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Established through an Executive Order in March 2024, the NMC's main task is to strengthen Philippine maritime security and raise awareness in the face of "serious challenges" that threaten the country's territorial integrity.
In a statement released over the weekend, the NMC said the government's firm resolve to address any foreign intrusion is within the bounds of international law.
"We stand resolute against any foreign intrusion into our maritime zones and will never cease upholding our rights and honoring our duties under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the 2016 Arbitral Award," the council said.
"The Philippines, while committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and proper diplomatic approaches, will never waver in protecting its national territory and maritime domain," it added.
Marcos last Feb. 6 reiterated that Philippine forces would continue to keep watch over the country's exclusive economic zones (EEZ) "even if they (foreign vessels) collide with our ship, even if they use a water cannon, even if they block us."
The president made the remarks amid the continuous imposing presence of Chinese vessels such as the China Coast Guard's "monster ship," which has been "patrolling" the waters off Zambales for more than a month now.
