<\/p>\n
The National Security Council has now permitted a \u201cChristmas Convoy\u201d organized by a civilian organization to travel to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
However, the leaders of the convoy agreed with the government\u2019s stance not to go to the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal in the WPS due to security reasons, a security official said Tuesday.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Earlier, the group\u2019s leaders were urged not to proceed due to the dire situation in the area.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
“The National Security Council (NSC) met with the leaders of Atin Ito! Coalition last week where — after a constructive dialogue — there was a meeting of the minds in the planned civilian-led Christmas Convoy to the WPS,” NSC spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, in a statement, said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Malaya said both parties agreed that a civilian convoy to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal would not be advisable at this time.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“Nonetheless, the planned Christmas Convoy will pass through the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal as far as practicable, on its way to other selected Philippine-occupied features to bring Christmas cheer directly to our troops assigned to those areas, as well as to our fisherfolk,” the NSC spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
According to Malaya, the convoy will visit and bring goods to Filipino troops in Pagasa Island.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
“There, Christmas gifts and donated supplies for BRP Sierra Madre will be turned over to the Philippine Navy-Armed Forces of the Philippines and to the Philippine Coast Guard for delivery during the regular rotation and resupply missions. By visiting the other Philippine-occupied features, the Christmas Convoy will be able to visit a vast area of the WPS and bring Christmas cheer directly to more fisherfolk and frontliners,” he added.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Malaya said the agreement also ensures the safety and security of the convoy aside from ensuring the timely delivery of donated items to Filipino fisherfolk and front-liners in the WPS.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He added that the visit also upholds the Philippines’ sovereign rights to the WPS.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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