The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command marked the 10th anniversary of the country’s 2016 arbitral victory in the West Philippine Sea with “Waves of Rock,” a battle-of-the-bands event promoting patriotism and maritime awareness.
The event was held on July 11 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
It was organized by the 1st Civil Relations Group of the AFP Civil-Military Operations Command, under NOLCOM’s operational control, in partnership with the Pampanga provincial government, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region III and other stakeholders.
The 7th Civil-Military Operations Command and the Pampanga Provincial Police Office also supported the event.
Through original songs and performances, participating bands highlighted the significance of the July 12, 2016 arbitral ruling and the Philippines’ maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The ruling affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone and rejected China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim as having no legal basis under international law.
Organizers said the competition aimed to make the legal and strategic issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea more accessible to the public, particularly young Filipinos.
Philippine Navy Cmdr. Lady Chatterly A. Sumbeling joined the event as a guest performer and panelist, performing original compositions about the West Philippine Sea.
HADAK emerged as champion, followed by SIKLAB as first runner-up and Sagwan ni Elias as second runner-up.
SIKLAB also won Best Vocalist and Best Keyboardist, while Sagwan ni Elias received Best Lead Guitarist. HADAK took Best Bassist, 69 Cougar Band won Best Rhythm Guitarist, and Super4 received Best Drummer.
Brig. Gen. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, commander of the Philippine Army’s 703rd Infantry Brigade, urged Filipinos to turn their support for the West Philippine Sea into concrete action.
“May this activity carry the spirit of patriotism, responsibility, and hope. May this event deepen our understanding of the West Philippine Sea victory and strengthen our commitment to uphold the Philippines’ sovereignty and maritime rights. Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino, Mabuhay ang Musikang Makabayan!” Osias said.
Col. Enrique G. Rafael, commander of the 1st Civil Relations Group, said creative platforms could help engage young people and local communities in defending the country’s sovereignty and supporting its peaceful, rules-based position in the West Philippine Sea.