Philippine business groups deplore sea harassment

MANILA, Philippines — Business organizations yesterday deplored the harassment of the country’s military, in a statement that came after a recent clash between Philippine Navy personnel and the Chinese coast guard in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

“We deplore the continued harassment of the AFP, the PCG and, most of all, our people who are just trying to earn their livelihood,” the business groups said in a rare joint statement, referring to the the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard by their acronyms.

There was no mention of China in the statement.

“We appeal for unity towards a non-violent resolution that respects our rights as a peace-loving nation,” the 17 business groups, including the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines, said.

“Since we need peace and security in building a stronger and more progressive Philippines, we call for a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the current threats to national sovereignty and security,” they said.

“We encourage the government to pursue with utmost urgency the necessary capacity-building measures that will successfully transform the AFP and the PCG into modern, responsive and self-reliant defense forces,” the groups added.

The group, composed of 17 business organizations including the Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines, also urged the government to “pursue with utmost urgency” measures to transform the country’s military and coast guard into a modern self-reliant force. The other business organizations were Alyansa Agrikultura, Bishops-Businessmen’s Conference for Human Development, Cebu Business Club, Cebu Leads Foundation, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phil) Inc.,  Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Institute of Corporate Directors, Investment House Association of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Nextgen Organization of Women Corporate Directors, People Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Women’s Economic Network, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. and Women’s Business Council