Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya of of the National Security Council ARNEL TACSON/INQUIRER.NET
MANILA, Philippines — National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya on Monday questioned a progressive fisherfolk’s caution over the joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea with the United States, Australia and Japan.
Progressive fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that the naval drills with allies could aggravate China more, with fisherfolk shouldering the brunt of the country’s ire.
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“These kinds of statements coming from Pamalakaya, I normally hear them from Beijing, Chinese Coast Guard, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Defense,” said Malaya on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.
Malaya said that the group had asked the Philippine government for support in the West Philippine Sea.
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However, Pamalakaya told INQUIRER.NET that they were doing their duties as citizens.
“It is not Chinese propaganda to ask for independent external policies; this is a patriotic duty as fisherfolk who love sovereignty and national autonomy,” said the Pamalakaya.
Pamalakaya pointed out that previous joint exercises were unable to dissuade Chinese vessels from swarming the West Philippine Sea. Instead, the group said it was better to look for a diplomatic and peaceful solution.
The progressive group also told Malaya that they have repeatedly protested China’s presence in the West Philippine Sea.