AFP ops in WPS unchanged despite Marcos Jr. softer tone

Military operations in the West Philippine Sea remain unchanged despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s softer language on the issue during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla stated that it will be business as usual for the Armed Forces of the Philippines in safeguarding their mandate of guarding the country's sovereignty.

During his SONA, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to an independent foreign policy, describing the nation as "friend to all and an enemy to none."

Notably, the President did not make any direct reference to the West Philippine Sea in his speech, a contrast to previous addresses.

Padilla emphasized that the military continues to operate under clear directives from the president, as outlined during a pre-SONA command conference on July 17.