New national strategy for West Philippines Sea to be presented to Marcos —NTF WPS

The National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) on Monday said it will present a new national strategy for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

NTF WPS spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the new plan of action includes both military and non-military strategies.

“The NTF WPS, as headed by Secretary Eduardo Año, has prepared a new national strategy for the WPS, which does not only contain our military strategy but also contains non-military strategies,” he said in an interview on ANC.

“And it's ready for presentation to the President. I hope we are given the opportunity to make that presentation this December,” he added.

He made the statement when asked how to move forward considering that China has not stopped its aggressive actions despite the Philippines’ filing of diplomatic protests, bringing up the issue on international forums, as well as Marcos’ meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China’s latest aggressive action was reported on Sunday when Chinese vessels water cannoned and rammed Philippine vessels during a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Unaizah Mae 1 was rammed by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, according to Philippine authorities. M/L Kalayaan meanwhile suffered from serious engine damage due to water cannoning of China.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Romeo Brawner Jr. said he was on Unaizah Mae 1 when it was rammed and water cannoned by a Chinese vessel.

“Of course, galit na galit ako doon sa nangyari (I was infuriated about what happened),” Brawner said.

“Naniniwala ako na hindi alam ng Chinese na ako ‘yung nandoon sa Unaizah Mae 1 kaya't ganoon ‘yung nangyari, hindi sila nagbago ng taktika. Bagama’t nag-increase pa ‘yung kanilang aggressive actions,” he added.

(I believed that the Chinese did not know I was on  Unaizah Mae, that's why they did not change their tactics. Instead, they further increased their aggressive actions.)

Brawner said he and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will have a meeting with the NTF WPS and National Task Force on Maritime Security to discuss possible actions.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News