Pinoys back dual approach’ in WPS

Filipinos continue to support a dual approach of diplomacy and military action in asserting the country's territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.

- JANVIC MATEO

The survey, conducted from March 11 to 14 and released yesterday, showed seven in 10 respondents want the Marcos administration to prioritize both diplomacy and military action in addressing issues related to territorial dispute.

Some 73 percent said the government should assert the Philippines' territorial rights by expanding naval patrols and troop presence, while 72 percent said the administration should prioritize diplomacy and other peaceful methods.

Meanwhile, some 68 percent said the government should modernize and strengthen the military's capability to protect the country's territories.

The total exceeded 100 percent because the respondents were allowed to select up to three answers.