Metro Manila, Philippines— A former energy undersecretary and former Western Command (WESCOM) chief has been named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as spokesperson of a maritime security group.
“(Alexander) Lopez, a former military officer, will speak on behalf of the NMC (National Maritime Council) on issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS),” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.
Marcos created the NMC under Executive Order (EO) 57 to strengthen maritime security and marine domain awareness. Replacing the National Coast Watch Council, it is in charge of formulating policies and strategies “to ensure a unified, coordinated and effective governance framework for the country’s maritime security and domain awareness.”
The council, headed by the executive secretary, will also recommend policies, strategies and guidelines for maritime security operations to the president.
The PCO has yet to respond if Lopez will be the sole spokesperson for all WPS-related issues.
