Marcos signs order on maritime security

Amid China's aggression in WPS

- HELEN FLORES

Citing "serious challenges" that threaten not only the country's territorial integrity but also the "peaceful existence of Filipinos" in the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos has issued an order to strengthen the country's maritime security and maritime domain awareness among Filipinos.

Executive Order (EO) 57, signed on March 25 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, renamed and reorganized the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) as the National Maritime Council (NMC).

The NMC, to be chaired by Bersamin, is tasked to formulate policies and strategies to ensure a unified, coordinated and effective governance framework for the country's maritime security and domain awareness, among other powers and functions.

Marcos has ordered the NMC to formulate and issue guidelines for the effective implementation of EO 57.

"Despite efforts to promote stability and security in our maritime domain, the Philippines continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the country's territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos, including their fundamental right to live in peace and freedom, free from fear of violence and threat," Marcos said.