Lay down your security plan to protect the West Philippine Sea against foreign aggressors, particularly China, a fishers' group challenged the newly appointed National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Sunday, Jan. 15.

In a statement sent to the press, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) Spokesperson Ronnel Arambulo reminded that among the mandates of the NSA is ensuring that "the national interests, the well-being of the people and institutions, and its sovereignty and territorial integrity are protected and enhanced."

“Hinahamon namin si Año na agad niyang ilatag ang plano sa usaping pang-seguridad ng ating teritoryo sa harap ng nagpapatuloy na banta ng China sa mga Pilipinong mangingisda (We are challenging Año to lay down his security plan for our territory amid China's continuous threats to Filipino fishermen)," Arambulo said.

The official emphasized that fisherfolk will watch the steps that will be taken by the new NSA to make sure that the later is performing his duties in protecting our territories, which includes the West Philippine Sea.

"Walang ibang dapat atupagin si Año sa kaniyang posisyon kundi ang magbalangkas ng mga estratehikong polisiya ng administrasyong Marcos para sa ating pambansang soberanya (Año should not do anything but create strategic policies for the Marcos Administration in order to protect the national sovereignty)," he maintained.

"Magiging mapagbantay ang mga mangingisda sa bagong talagang NSA kung gagampanan nito ang mandato nitong tiyakin ang seguridad ng ating teritoryo, partikular ng West Philippine Sea na kasalukuyang ilegal na inookupa ng mga puwersang militar ng China (The fisherfolk will be watching the new NSA to see if he is really doing his job in ensuring the security of our territories, particularly the West Philippine Sea which is currently being illegally occupied by China's military forces)," he went on.

Arambulo assured that the group will not allow anyone again to use his post against people who are fighting for the rights of the Filipinos and their freedom.

"Hindi kami papayag na muli niyang gamitin ang posisyon sa gobyerno laban sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng karapatan at pambansang kasarinlan (We will not allow anyone again to use his position in the government against people who are fight for the rights of the Filipinos and their independence)," he stressed.

The spokesperson ended his statement pointing out, "Ang malawak na presensyang militar ng China ang isa sa pinamalaking banta sa pambansang seguridad sa kasalukuyan, kaya ito ang dapat bigyang atensyon ng bagong NSA (The strong military presence of China is one of the biggest threat on the country's national security, that's why this should be given attention by the new NSA)."