NDCP alumni commend President for taking WPS issue very seriously
President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. | PHOTO: Presidential Communications Office
Alumni officials of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) have lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his resolute response to China’s recent aggressive actions against Filipino ships in the Ayungin Shoal.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro asserted that the President is taking the situation “very seriously,” noting the severity of the incident where Chinese vessels collided with Filipino supply boats in an apparent attempt to obstruct their operations, while China propagated a “false narrative” to justify its actions.
Aldin Cuña, secretary general of the NDCP Alumni Association, called upon all Filipinos to stand in solidarity with Marcos and the government as Philippine ships face ongoing harassment during peaceful missions within the nation’s territorial waters.
Commodore Jerry Simon, a member of the alumni board, emphasized the need for the public to “remain vigilant and well-informed.” He pointed out that not only are Filipino vessels being subjected to physical aggression, but the truth, which supports the Philippine position, is also under attack.
In response to the incident, President Marcos convened an urgent command conference on Monday, October 23, during which he directed the Philippine Coast Guard to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into China’s recent belligerent actions.
Professor Vladimir Mata, another member of the NDCP alumni board, highlighted the significance of Marcos’ directive, asserting that it is rooted in the “great importance” of the West Philippine Sea “to our nation, future, and children—an inheritance we should not lose during our watch.”
The NDCP alumni association released these statements following an incident on October 22, in which two Chinese Coast Guard ships intruded into Philippine territorial waters and collided with a Philippine coast guard vessel and a military-run supply boat.
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