The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has welcomed the approval of House Bill 8673 at the committee level, saying the measure would recognize the risks faced not only by soldiers but also by civilian personnel serving in the West Philippine Sea.
AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the defense of the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea is not carried out by the military alone but through the national government’s whole-of-nation approach.
“The AFP welcomes the House Committee’s approval of House Bill 8673. Under our national government’s whole-of-nation approach, the defense of our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea is a collective inter-agency effort,” Trinidad said.
He said civilian personnel from other government agencies and bureaus, including law enforcement officers, scientists, researchers, and administrative staff, work alongside AFP uniformed personnel in asserting and protecting the country’s maritime rights.
According to Trinidad, these personnel are also exposed to harsh weather conditions and operational dangers, including risks arising from foreign aggressive maneuvers within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“Our civilian partners from other agencies and other bureaus, law enforcement personnel, scientists, researchers and admin staff, work side-by-side with the AFP uniformed personnel in protecting our rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea. They face the same severe weather conditions and operational hazards from foreign aggressive maneuvers in our exclusive economic zone,” he said.
Trinidad said granting hazard pay and other forms of support, including insurance and medical benefits, would be an important step in acknowledging the role of civilian frontliners in maritime security.
“Providing them with hazard pay and other benefits such as insurance and medical support is a critical step in recognizing their invaluable contribution to maritime security,” he said.
“The AFP fully supports legislative measures that champion the welfare, safety, and morale of all public servants standing firm on the frontlines of our maritime domain,” he added.