NSC criticizes Bayan Muna for opposing BrahMos missiles

A top National Security Council official criticized a militant group's comments against the Philippines' acquisition of BrahMos cruise missiles, calling it a defensive move.

Jonathan Malaya, an NSC Assistant Director General, said Bayan Muna's stance aligns with China’s propaganda and disregards Filipino interests, describing their statements as 'reckless and irresponsible'.

Bayan Muna executive vice president Carlos Zarate argued that acquiring these missiles would spark an arms race and increase regional conflict, deeming it a 'waste of public funds' and 'warmongering at the people's expense'.

Malaya emphasized that the missile procurement is a strategic response to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, aimed at protecting sovereignty and upholding international law.

He stressed that these acquisitions are defensive tools for deterrence and not weapons of offensive war, dismissing Bayan Muna's claims as misleading.

The NSC official highlighted that spending on defense is an investment in freedom, sovereignty, and peace rather than a waste of public funds.

Malaya urged the Filipino people to recognize the importance of these measures in safeguarding national security against foreign threats.