The Department of National Defense has vowed to strengthen the country’s deterrence capabilities and resist attempts to undermine Philippine rights and maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, the DND said the ruling affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights and entitlements within its exclusive economic zone.
The department said it would continue building a stronger and more responsive defense system, with particular focus on preparing the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept mission.
It added that the military would pursue this effort while preserving gains in internal security operations.
“Without public support this task cannot be achieved,” the DND said.
The department cited a recent survey showing that 86 percent of Filipinos support cooperation with like-minded countries in defending the country’s maritime interests.
It said growing public awareness and a stronger sense of ownership over the West Philippine Sea were critical to sustaining national resolve.
The DND also described the Philippines as an increasingly important partner for countries seeking to uphold international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
It said the country’s strategic position and adherence to international law had helped deepen partnerships with nations that share its commitment to transparency, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
“Our partnerships are ever increasing because these are based on fundamental freedoms, transparency, and the rule of law unlike sinister and cabalistic United Front Work and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions,” the department said.
The DND said it and the AFP would remain “unstinting” in enforcing the arbitral ruling and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
It also committed to expanding public understanding of the West Philippine Sea and ensuring that awareness translates into greater national resilience.
“Ultimately, we will resist and combat any attempt to deny our rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea—for these are not only ours to protect, but also those of future generations of Filipinos,” the DND said.