By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Apparently acknowledging the power of propaganda to win the hearts and minds of the people, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary Eduardo Año has called on the media and the public to help the government in combating disinformation on the West Philippine Sea.

He pointed out the need for the press to “push back against these corrosive narratives” that undermine the country’s position in the WPS.

“We thus call on the media and the public to stand their ground and push back against these malign and corrosive narratives that seek to undermine the national interest,” Año said on Monday (29 April 2024) during a media seminar on the WPS for Malacañang Press Corps.

The NSC stressed that the government is “on the right track and headed [in] the right direction” in handling the WPS issue with China.

“The media, most especially, should never fall into a trap which clearly seeks to sow division in our country and weaken our resolve in asserting our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the WPS,” Año said.

(el Amigo/MNM)