Phl business groups deplore sea harassment

Call for unity, modernization of AFP, PCG

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO, CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE, Michael Punongbayan, Pia Lee Brago, Ghio Ong, Ed Amoroso

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-ofnation 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.