The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday reiterated the Philippines’ unwavering stance in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), asserting the country's right to defend its sovereignty amid ongoing tensions with China.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. emphasized that the Philippines is not seeking war or confrontation but must act to protect its national interests.

“The President has made the Philippine stand in the West Philippine Sea crystal clear,” Teodoro said.

“We do not want war or seek confrontation but we must do what we need to do to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights, calls of any sector to the contrary notwithstanding.”

Teodoro clarified that the actions of the Philippines should not be seen as acts of aggression but as a “sacred duty” of all Filipinos.

He stressed that while Manila cannot control how external actors behave, it must work to deter any violations of its territorial integrity.

“We do not control what external actors may think or may do but we must deter them from making choices that violate Philippine interests,” he said.

Teodoro also echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s calls for peace, while acknowledging the reality of growing challenges in the region.

“Hindi po tayo nang-aaway o may balak na manakop ngunit sa kabila ng mga matitinding hamon sa ating Inang Bayan tayo ay nanumpa na ipagtanggol ito (We are not picking fights or planning to invade, but despite the serious challenges facing our Motherland, we have sworn to defend it),” he said.

The defense chief further said that the President and the Filipino people share the aspiration for a peaceful nation and region, but the continued actions of China make that difficult to realize.

“Kailangan nating ipagtanggol ang ating likas na karapatan na maging isang malaya, mapayapa, at progresibong Bansa,” he said, referring to the territory recognized by international law and “ipinagkatiwala ng Poong Maykapal sa atin (We must defend our inherent right to be a free, peaceful, and progressive nation within the integrity of our territory—recognized by almost the entire world and entrusted to us by the Almighty),” he said.

“Ang DND po ay kaagapay ng ating Pangulo at hindi po tatalikod sa misyon na ito (The DND stands with our President and will not turn away from this mission),” Teodoro declared.

“Hindi po tayo magpasisiil (We will not be subdued).”