AFP: WPS stance non-negotiable

The country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is absolutely “non-negotiable.”

This was stressed by Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson for the WPS, in an interview with reporters one week after the country commemorated the ninth anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decision that rejected China’s sweeping claims over nearly the entire South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines rights in the WPS.

“The 2016 PCA ruling was a legal and moral victory that reaffirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Trinidad said at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“It is binding under international law and must be respected by all nations,” he noted.

Trinidad described the WPS as “part and parcel” of sovereign Philippine territory.

“The West Philippine Sea is non-negotiable,” he said.

“Our sovereignty is not for sale. Our rights are not up for compromise. The West Philippine Sea is not just a line on the map. It is a lifeline to our economy, food security, and dignity as a nation. We draw the line; we stand the line. The WPS is non-negotiable,” he added.

Trinidad firmly rejected claims the Philippines was being dragged into external power plays or was preparing for offensive operations.

“We are not preparing the Armed Forces for offense. We are preparing the Armed Forces to defend what is legally and rightfully the Filipinos’,” Trinidad said, clarifying that the AFP modernization programs and strategic partnerships are rooted in defensive objectives.

Trinidad dubbed as “defeatists and alarmists” former AFP officers who had undermined public confidence by casting doubt on the Philippines’ efforts in the WPS

He warned such rhetoric could demoralize both active and retired AFP personnel and called on them to “be more responsible” with their public comments.

Further, Trinidad reaffirmed the AFP’s unwavering commitment to defend the nation’s sovereignty and secure its territorial waters amid the increasing foreign maritime activity in the WPS.

Since January 2025, over 15,000 domestic and foreign vessels have been monitored monthly within Philippine maritime zones.

Trinidad reported that an average of 29 vessels from the China Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy have been observed monthly in the contested areas, with a record high of 49 in June.

These key locations of concern include the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Ayungin Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.

Despite the surge in the foreign presence, Trinidad assured the public that the military remains “fully on top of the situation” through sustained maritime patrols, continuous monitoring, and proactive deterrent measures.

“The AFP maintains heightened vigilance and a visible presence to assert the country’s sovereign rights and ensure maritime security,” he said.

Under its multi-domain approach, Trinidad said the AFP remains mission-focused and constitutionally bound to protect the Filipino people not only on land, sea, and air, but also in cyberspace, the information domain, and the cognitive space.

“We operate with discipline, not impulse; with resolve, not recklessness. Our duty transcends weapons. We fight with facts, with the law, and with unity,” he said.

Trinidad cited the core message of the AFP’s ongoing national campaign, MULAT: Our Seas, Our Rights, Our Future, which aims to raise public awareness on maritime rights and the need to protect future generations from the erosion of the national sovereignty.

“We must be aware of our seas, our rights, and what’s at stake for our future. This is not just about territory—it’s about legacy. Our children deserve to inherit a nation that stood its ground. Know our seas. Defend our rights. Secure our future,” he said.