SUMMARY
MANILA, Philippines – As China continues to bully the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order strengthening the country’s maritime security
According to Executive Order No. 57, released by the Presidential Communications Office on Sunday, March 31, the President ordered the bolstering of the country’s maritime security because the country “continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the country’s territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos, including their fundamental right to live in peace and freedom, free from fear of violence and threat.”
Under EO 57, the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) was renamed and reorganized into the National Maritime Council (NMC) chai…