NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NSC Advises Against Christmas Convoy To Ayungin Shoal
Photo credit: PTV
The National Security Council (NSC) has declared its non-endorsement of the planned Christmas Convoy to BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) in Ayungin Shoal or any such initiatives.
Acknowledging the altruistic intentions of the "Atin Ito" coalition to spread holiday joy to West Philippine Sea (WPS) frontliners, the NSC deems such a convoy, especially to Ayungin Shoal, inappropriate given the current heightened tensions between the Philippines and China.
While expressing support in principle for the "Atin Ito" coalition's endeavor, the NSC urges them to reconsider their plans and redirect the Christmas Convoy to other occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group.
The suggested locations include Lawak Island, Kota Island, Likas Island, Pag-asa Island, Parola Island, Panata Island, Patag Island, and Rizal Reef, where both Philippine troops and civilians are stationed and equally deserve festive donations from the public.
By choosing alternative destinations, the Christmas Convoy could cover a broader expanse of the West Philippine Sea, aligning more closely with its intended goal of improving the living conditions and operational capabilities of fisherfolk, civilian communities, and WPS frontliners.
The NSC proposes that, if the coalition wishes, they can transfer their collected Christmas donations to the Philippine Navy-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). These agencies, during routine rotation and resupply missions, can efficiently deliver the donated supplies to BRP Sierra Madre.
Addressing concerns about the well-being of troops in Ayungin Shoal, the NSC reassures the public that these forces are adequately supplied through regular RORE (rotation and resupply) missions conducted by the Philippine Navy-AFP and supported by the Philippine Coast Guard.
Consequently, the NSC asserts that a civilian Christmas convoy mission to Ayungin Shoal is currently unnecessary.
Acknowledging the altruistic intentions of the "Atin Ito" coalition to spread holiday joy to West Philippine Sea (WPS) frontliners, the NSC deems such a convoy, especially to Ayungin Shoal, inappropriate given the current heightened tensions between the Philippines and China.
While expressing support in principle for the "Atin Ito" coalition's endeavor, the NSC urges them to reconsider their plans and redirect the Christmas Convoy to other occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group.
The suggested locations include Lawak Island, Kota Island, Likas Island, Pag-asa Island, Parola Island, Panata Island, Patag Island, and Rizal Reef, where both Philippine troops and civilians are stationed and equally deserve festive donations from the public.
By choosing alternative destinations, the Christmas Convoy could cover a broader expanse of the West Philippine Sea, aligning more closely with its intended goal of improving the living conditions and operational capabilities of fisherfolk, civilian communities, and WPS frontliners.
The NSC proposes that, if the coalition wishes, they can transfer their collected Christmas donations to the Philippine Navy-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). These agencies, during routine rotation and resupply missions, can efficiently deliver the donated supplies to BRP Sierra Madre.
Addressing concerns about the well-being of troops in Ayungin Shoal, the NSC reassures the public that these forces are adequately supplied through regular RORE (rotation and resupply) missions conducted by the Philippine Navy-AFP and supported by the Philippine Coast Guard.
Consequently, the NSC asserts that a civilian Christmas convoy mission to Ayungin Shoal is currently unnecessary.
Nov 21, 2023
