NDCP alumni back Philippine stance vs China aggression

MANILA, Philippines —  Alumni officials of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) rallied behind the Philippine government’s attempts to stand its ground amid China’s latest aggression against Filipino ships in Ayungin Shoal.

This as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “giving serious weight” to the incident where Chinese ships collided with Filipino supply boats in an attempt to block them, given “the false narrative” being spread by China.

Aldin Cuña, Secretary General of the NDCP Alumni Association, urged Filipinos to unite behind the government as Philippine ships continue to be harassed during peaceful missions in the country’s own territorial waters.

Commodore Jerry Simon, a member of the alumni board, also urged the public to “remain vigilant and well informed,” stressing that “not only are our ships being rammed, the truth that is on our side is being pummeled too.”

President Marcos directed the Philippine Coast Guard to conduct a swift and thorough investigation into China’s most recent aggressive act during an urgently called command conference on Monday, October 23.

Professor Vladimir Mata, another member of the NDCP alumni board, emphasized that Malacanang’s directive is rooted to 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 the statements after two Chinese Coast Guard ships within Philippine territorial waters rammed a Philippine coast guard ship and a military-run supply boat on Sunday, October 22.