MANILA — In a firm stance, the Philippine government, represented by its National Security Council (NSC), rebuffed China’s claim of a purported “new model” aimed at de-escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, citing an agreement with the previous administration.

Security Adviser Eduardo Año and National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea spokesman Jonathan Malaya stood resolute, asserting that any agreement allegedly forged between China and the Philippines during the previous administration, under then President Rodrigo Duterte, had been annulled and held no sway under the current leadership of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“The President has been unequivocal: This administration disclaims any knowledge of a clandestine or informal agreement, and if such a pact was made during a preceding administration, it has since been nullified,” Año asserted in a statement.

Año emphasized that if indeed there was any agreement, “those responsible for it” should elucidate its details to the Filipino populace.

However, he emphasized that the present administration cannot be held beholden to it.

(el Amigo/MNM)

MANILA – The Marcos administration on Saturday distanced itself from “unsubstantiated or imaginary promises” of alleged secret non-binding gentlemen’s agreements or deals aimed at creating distractions, divisions, and conflict.

National Security Council (NSC) Adviser Eduardo Año stated in a Saturday (20 April 2024) release that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been unequivocal in asserting that his administration is unaware of any secret or gentleman’s agreement regarding its territories.

“If such agreements were made under a previous administration, they have since been nullified,” Año declared.

He emphasized that any such agreements if proven true, would be detrimental to national interest and the constitution.

“If such agreements exist, it is the duty of those accountable to elucidate them to the Filipino people, but they are not and will never be binding under this administration,” Año affirmed.

He urged all Filipinos to resist and counteract “corrosive narratives” seeking to undermine national interests.

“We must not succumb to tactics aiming to sow division in our nation and weaken our determination in asserting our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” he asserted.

During the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya reassured that the President enjoys full support from the police and the military.

“The National Security Adviser’s call is for us to shield our Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police from partisan political activities. Let us refrain from exploiting them because, in any democracy, the Armed Forces are expected to remain neutral and apolitical – regardless of any change in administration, the commander-in-chief remains the same,” Malaya stated.

“They will not waver in their allegiance to the President just because someone requests it. They are professionals who understand the chain of command, respect the military hierarchy, and remain loyal to the current Commander-In-Chief, President Bongbong Marcos,” Malaya added.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Apparently taking seriously the declaration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to separate Mindanao from the Philippines, the National Security Council (NSC) has sternly warned that “resolute force” will be used to those who will attempt to dismember the Republic.

This developed as provincial governments of Maguindanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Camiguin, have expressed opposition to Duterte’s plan to establish a “separate and independent Mindanao.”

“Any attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force, as it remains steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory,” National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

He underscored the importance of national unity, security and stability, saying that calls for the division of the country “only serve to undermine our collective progress and prosperity.”

“The strength of our country lies in our unity and any attempt to sow division must be rejected by all sectors unequivocally,” Año said.

The NSC chief who had served as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff and secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Duterte administration, also warned that the national government “will not hesitate to use its authority and forces to quell and stop any and all attempts to dismember the Republic.”

On Friday (February 2), the four governors from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said the region is proud to assert its identity as an integral part of the Republic of the Philippines.

Governors Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Hajiman Hatama-Salliman of Basilan, Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, and Abdulraof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte also vowed to focus on regional development and peace, emphasizing unity and progress within the national framework.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In reaction to the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s claim that the activities by the Philippines and the United States were “provocative” and “irresponsible,” National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Eduardo Año has maintained that the joint PH-US maritime activities were conducted in an area in the West Philippine Sea that is within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Año stressed that they were consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“How can they be deemed provocative?” The joint patrol emphasizes our ability to work seamlessly together to ensure the readiness of our joint forces to address evolving security challenges,” the NSA said.

On Thursday (January 4), China Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said these so-called “provocative military activities” of the Philippines and the US in the South China Sea won’t help resolve maritime disputes.

“We urge relevant countries to stop the irresponsible moves, and respect regional countries’ effort to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he said.

But Año stood firm that the Philippine government was “merely exercising its sovereign right to engage in such activities within its territory and these exercises are aimed at enhancing our maritime capabilities and interoperability with the US which is a treaty partner to ensure the security and stability of the region.”

He further underscored that the joint patrols with the United States and potential future activities with other allied countries show the “mutual commitment to a rules-based international order and for promoting peace and stability of the region.”

“It also demonstrates the significant improvement in the Philippines’ defense capabilities and the development of a world-class navy and armed forces capable of carrying out its mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the Philippines and our maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

Año, however, pointed out that the Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and reaffirms its commitment to fostering good relations with all nations.

(el Amigo/MNM)