On the ninth anniversary of the landmark 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday reiterated its firm resolve to defend the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, the AFP emphasized that the ruling handed down by the PCA on 12 July 2016, remains a “moral and legal compass” that continues to guide the military's efforts in safeguarding Philippine territory.

“This historic decision upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea,” the statement read.

“It remains a reaffirmation of the strength of international law and the enduring pursuit of peace, justice, and a rules-based order in our region.”

The AFP said it continues to carry out regular maritime and aerial patrols to assert and protect Philippine claims in the contested waters.

The military added that its enhanced maritime domain awareness and active coordination with other agencies and stakeholders are part of what it calls a “whole-of-nation approach” to securing the country’s maritime interests and the well-being of communities, especially Filipino fisherfolk.

“Every operation we conduct in the West Philippine Sea reaffirms our commitment to protect what is rightfully ours,” the AFP said, underscoring its pledge to carry out its mission with professionalism, vigilance, and resolve.

“We will continue to defend our territory, uphold our sovereign rights, and promote peace — always anchored on international law and guided by the interests of the Filipino people,” it added.

The AFP also called on Filipinos to stand united in defense of the national territory.

“The West Philippine Sea is not just a maritime zone but a lifeline, a legacy, and a symbol of our collective pride and resilience.”

July 12 marks the day when the Philippines won its case against China in The Hague, with the tribunal ruling that China’s sweeping claims to almost the entire South China Sea — based on its so-called “10-dash line” — had no legal basis.

The ruling was a landmark victory for the Philippines and has been widely hailed as a triumph for international maritime law.

Despite this decision, China has continued to reject the PCA ruling and maintain its presence in contested areas.

In response, the Philippines has ramped up its diplomatic and defense efforts, including closer security ties with regional and global allies.

As regional tensions persist, the AFP reiterated its readiness to “defend our seas, sovereignty, and the strength of our people, nation, and the generations yet to come.”