Philippines revamps maritime security offices and ensure better safety for their people at sea

In this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese coast guard ship, top, tries to block a Philippine government vessel at the disputed South China Sea on Thursday March 21, 2024. Chinese coast guard ships, backed by a military helicopter, tried to dangerously block but failed to stop two Philippine government vessels carrying scientists from reaching two barren sandbars called Sandy Cay in the disputed South China Sea, Philippine officials said Friday. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

MANILA (Bloomberg): Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reorganised the responsibilities of the central agency for maritime security policies as South China Sea tensions with Beijing escalate.

Marcos directed the National Maritime Council to formulate policies and coordinate with government agencies on all issues affecting sea security and domain awareness, according to an order dated March 25 and released Sunday.