National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (File photo)
MANILA – The National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday welcomed the latest OCTA survey which showed that the majority of adult Filipinos agree with the Marcos administration’s approach in handling the territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The survey showed a 15 percent increase in public support for the issue.
"We appreciate the support of the Filipino people and the public can be assured that the NSC will always advance the national interest and protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity at all times," National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said in a statement.
The survey results showed that the Filipinos consider the WPS as a major concern and that “the lives and livelihood of our people, especially the fisherfolk who depend on the seas, are primordial concerns that cannot be taken for granted.”
The OCTA survey also revealed that the country’s foreign and security policies, including strengthening its ties with partners, allies and friends, are on the right track.
Año, who chairs the NSC, also said the Philippines shall pursue its national interest with greater resolve in the coming year.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said Friday the government is on the right track in handling the WPS issue with China as majority of adult Filipinos agree with the approach being carried out by the Marcos administration,
"We are happy to know that majority of our people now are aware of issues involving national security. The support given by the 'significant majority' to dual approach in handling the West Philippine Sea issue sends the right signal to our national security administrators," Aguilar said to the Philippine News Agency when sought for a comment regarding the latest OCTA survey showing high public support for the WPS issue.
Aguilar also expressed gratitude to the AFP's media partner who greatly helped the military "amplify the righteousness of our position on the WPS issue."
"We are moving towards the right direction, one that promotes the interest of our people and strengthens international laws and conventions that contribute to regional peace and stability. With the support of our people, (we) will never be distracted from this course," he said. (PNA)
