QuestionsQuestions (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 94)
It cited Section 7, Article II (national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest, right to self-determination), Section 3, Article II (AFP to secure sovereignty and integrity of national territory), and Section 2, Article XII (state obligation to protect marine wealth in archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and EEZ and reserve use/enjoyment to Filipino citizens).
The National Security Adviser serves as Chairperson.
The circular lists: Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of National Defense; Department of Justice; Department of the Interior and Local Government; Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Energy; Department of Agriculture; Department of Trade and Industry; Department of Transportation and Communications; Department of Finance; National Economic and Development Authority; National Coast Watch System; Armed Forces of the Philippines; Philippine National Police (Maritime Group); Philippine Coast Guard; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
The National Security Council shall provide administrative and technical support to the NTF-WPS.
It provides that the NTF-WPS shall be composed of permanent representatives from relevant agencies with the rank of Undersecretary as regular members.
It allows the Chairperson to designate such other government officials and private citizens from time to time.
The NTF-WPS receives guidance from the President through the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace, and it submits reports/recommendations to the President through the Security Cluster.
It is responsible for orchestrating and synchronizing the employment of the different national government agencies’ capabilities to achieve national objectives in the West Philippine Sea.
Its functions are transferred to and performed by the NTF-WPS.
It must create an Area-level Task Force (ATF) to orchestrate and synchronize agency efforts at the area level. It may also organize Tactical-level Task Forces (TTFs) composed of units/assets/capabilities/elements of different agencies to perform mandates according to ATF guidance.
Depending on the coordination mechanisms, actions undertaken by government units are reported to the ATF directly or through their respective regional offices.
Concerned agencies must closely coordinate with the ATF in employing their capabilities, assets, equipment, and personnel, and their actions must align with ATF guidance and direction.
All branches of government, departments, bureaus, agencies, offices, LGUs, and GOCCs are directed to render full support, assistance, and cooperation to the NTF-WPS.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions unaffected remain valid and subsisting.
It repeals or modifies all orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with the circular.
It takes effect immediately.