The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) is in favor of using diplomatic means to solve the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
However, NTF-WPS spokesperson and National Security Council (NSC) Asst. Director General Jonathan Malaya insisted that the government should not surrender its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the disputed waters.
“[T]he NTF-WPS strongly advocates for diplomacy and multi-lateral cooperation in addressing any dispute between and among countries,” Malaya said on Friday, July 19.
“At the same time, we will remain on guard to uphold our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West [Philippine] Sea,” he added.
Results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Thursday showed that 60 percent of Filipinos believed that joint patrols in the WPS are “sufficient”.
The NTF-WPS also revealed that 72 percent of the respondents want the Philippine government to form an alliance with other countries in defending the country’s territorial and economic rights in the WPS.
The task force welcomed the results of the poll.
“The survey results show that most, if not all, Filipinos are aware of the issues related to the West Philippine Sea and its importance to our nation’s long-term peace, security, and progress,” Malaya said.
“Our people, as the most vital resource of the nation, must remain aware, knowledgeable and vigilant about the issues and concerns that affect their daily lives and the next generation of Filipinos,” he noted.