PINAYAGAN na ng National Security Council (NSC) ang civilian-led Christmas convoy sa West Philippine Sea, kaya’t maaari na silang maglayag sa paligid ng Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
Pero hindi sumang-ayon ang NSC sa layunin ng convoy na umabot sa BRP Sierra Madre.
“Both parties agreed that a convoy to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal would not be advisable at this time since the safety of the civilian convoy is of paramount consideration,” ayon kay NSC Spokesman Jonathan Malaya.
“Nonetheless, the planned Christmas convoy will pass through the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal as far as practicable, on its way to other selected PH-occupied features to bring Christmas cheer directly to our troops assigned to those areas as well as to our fisherfolks, dagdag niya.
Pangungunahan ang Christmas convoy ng Atin Ito coalition na kinabibilangan ng Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, Akbayan Youth, Center for Agrarian Reform for Empowerment and Transformation, Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan, at Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka. (ZIA LUNA)