The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains unfazed by the provocative actions of some foreign actors in the country’s territorial waters.

In a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla noted that the military will remain ready and prepared to secure the Philippine archipelago.

“In the face of challenges on land, at sea, and in the digital domain, we will not waver. We are steadfast in our mission, knowing that security is not just about defense but about safeguarding the future of every Filipino,” Padilla said. 

Meanwhile, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the AFP is called upon to demonstrate its readiness and strength in situations where the Philippines faces territorial disputes.

While the military prefers peaceful and diplomatic approaches to addressing territorial disputes, Trinidad assured that the military would not back down when the nation's interests and security are at stake, particularly when tensions in the WPS are increasing.

“We are a peace-loving people. We are among the most hospitable in the world. We have a history that if pushed to the edge — if it's our rights, our freedom at stake — the Philippines would be among the fiercest warriors that mankind has ever seen,” Trinidad said.