The National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday thumbed down a civilian group’s request to conduct a Christmas convoy and civilian mission for military troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, citing security reasons.
In a public briefing, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the Ayungin Shoal is considered a “hotspot” amid the recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“Ikinalulungkot po ng NSC na kung Ayungin Shoal po ang pag-uusapan ay hindi po namin pwedeng suportahan. We highly discourage itong mga grupong ito from conducting their Christmas convoy civilian mission kahit maganda po yung layunin because of security concerns,” Malaya told PTV-4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
(We regret to say that we cannot support this proposal. We highly discourage these groups from conducting their Christmas convoy civilian mission because of security concerns.)
Last month, a coalition of non-government organizations and people’s organizations announced a drive for donations for front liners and fisherfolk in the Ayungin Shoal and the WPS.
The “Atin Ito” coalition said it planned to bring the goods to the BRP Sierra Madre, aground as a Philippine outpost in the shoal, through its Christmas convoy and civilian supply mission.
“Since civilian supply boat sila hindi natin masisiguro yung seguridad at baka tingnan ito ng China bilang isang provocative act,” said Malaya.
(We cannot guarantee their safety since they are civilians and China may view this as a provocation.)
The NSC instead urged the civic group to conduct the Christmas programs in the Philippine-occupied features in WPS including Pag-asa Island.
As for the Christmas donations for troops onboard BRP Sierra Madre, Malaya said they may turn it over to the NSC or Philippine Navy.
“Kung meron po kayong gustong ipadala dun sa ating mga tropa sa Ayungin shoal pwede nyo dalhin sa NSC o kaya sa Philippine Navy…pwede po natin iturn over sa kanila…silana po ang bahala na magdala sa Ayungin Shoal as part of our regular resupply and rotation mission,” he added.
(We may refer the donations to the NSC or PN and they may deliver it during one of their regular resupply and rotation missions.)
Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group and is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, over which the country has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction. — BM, GMA Integrated News
