The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed support for Cebu City and the Municipality of Labrador in Pangasinan after the two local government units officially declared July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the declarations recognize the country’s legal victory in the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award and help strengthen public awareness of the Philippines’ maritime rights.
“The AFP stands in solidarity with the people of Cebu City and the Municipality of Labrador, Pangasinan, for their patriotic initiatives in officially declaring July 12 as ‘West Philippine Sea Victory Day,’” Trinidad said.
He said institutionalizing the date at the local level honors the country’s “legal and moral triumph” in the 2016 ruling, while also recognizing the role of maritime frontliners who continue to defend Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights.
Trinidad said the move also promotes national pride and unity as the country continues to assert its position in the West Philippine Sea.
“As protectors of our sovereignty, the AFP strongly encourages other LGUs across our archipelago to follow this nationalistic example,” he said.
“Let us unite as one nation in safeguarding our maritime heritage. By standing firmly together, we send a clear, unyielding message: our seas are a part of our identity, our livelihood, and our future,” he added.
July 12 marks the anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling that affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.