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SECTION 1
Creation of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea
SECTION 1. Creation of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea
.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) is hereby formally established composed of representatives from the following:
Chairperson:
National Security Adviser
Department of Foreign Affairs
Department of National Defense
Department of Justice
Members:
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
Such other government officials and private citizens as the Chairperson may designate from time to time.
The NTF-WPS shall be composed of permanent representatives from each of the relevant agencies with the rank of Undersecretary as regular members, and such other officials of support and concerned agencies as necessary.
The National Security Council shall provide administrative and technical support to the NTF-WPS.
SECTION 2
Functions of the NTF-WPS
SECTION 2. Functions of the NTF-WPS. The NTF-WPS shall receive guidance from the President, through the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace. It shall be responsible in orchestrating and synchronizing the employment of the different national government agencies’ capabilities to achieve the national objectives in the WPS and in submitting such reports and/or recommendations to the President through the Security Cluster. The functions of the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee on the WPS shall now be transferred to and performed by the NTF-WPS.
SECTION 3
Creation of Area-level and Tactical-level Task Forces
SECTION 3. Creation of Area-level and Tactical-level Task Forces. The NTF-WPS shall create an Area-level Task Force (ATF) which shall orchestrate and synchronize the efforts of the different government agencies at the area level. It shall receive guidance and direction from the NTF-WPS. Concerned government agencies shall closely coordinate with the ATF in the employment of their capabilities, assets, equipment, and personnel.
The ATF may organize Tactical-level Task Forces (TTFs) composed of units, assets, capabilities and elements of different agencies. TTFs shall perform their mandates in accordance with the guidance and direction made by the ATF. Depending on the coordination and mechanisms made, all actions undertaken by these government units shall be reported to the ATF directly or through their respective regional offices.
SECTION 4
Support and Cooperation
SECTION 4. Support and Cooperation. All branches of the government, departments, bureaus, agencies, offices, and local government units, including government- owned or -controlled corporations are directed to render full support, assistance, and cooperation to the National Task Force in carrying out its mandates and function.
SECTION 5
Separability
SECTION 5. Separability. If any provision of this Circular is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions unaffected shall remain valid and subsisting.
SECTION 6
Repeal
SECTION 6. Repeal. All orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Circular are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 7
Effectivity
SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Circular shall take effect immediately.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 17th day of March, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Sixteen.
By authority of the President:
(SGD.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary