The Philippine Navy joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony on July 6, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The ceremony at Navy Headquarters was led by Philippine Navy Vice Commander Major General Edwin E. Amadar PN(M), who represented Flag Officer In Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta PN.
Amadar relayed the message of AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. to the Navy’s officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources, urging them to reaffirm the military’s commitment to protect “Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future.”
Brawner reminded AFP personnel of their duty to defend the country’s maritime territories and safeguard the future of every Filipino.
“We are called to protect our people, uphold our sovereign rights, and strengthen our territorial defense posture in the West Philippine Sea,” Brawner said.
He also called on personnel to continue asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea with honor and professionalism.
“Atin ang tungkuling ipagtanggol ito — nang may dangal, propesyonalismo, at pagmamahal sa ating bayan,” Brawner said.