AFP reaffirms WPS defense on PCA ruling anniversary

On the ninth anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to defend the country's sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The AFP emphasized that the 2016 PCA ruling remains a "moral and legal compass" guiding the military's efforts in safeguarding the territory, and this historic decision upheld the Philippines' sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

To mark the anniversary, all Philippine military units nationwide conducted simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies, with the central event held at Camp Aguinaldo led by AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

These ceremonies symbolized unity and resolve in safeguarding the country's sovereignty in the WPS and underscored the AFP's role in defending territorial integrity and promoting regional peace through a rules-based international order.

General Brawner described the WPS as a "lifeline and a vital waterway that feeds thousands of Filipinos."

Beijing reiterated its long-standing position that the PCA decision is "illegal, null and void."