The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday expressed support for the decision of Cebu City and the Municipality of Labrador, Pangasinan to declare 12 July as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day.”

In a statement, AFP Special Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Ret./Res.) said the military welcomed the initiatives of the two local government units, saying they help strengthen public appreciation of the Philippines’ legal victory over China’s sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea.

“The AFP stands in solidarity with the people of Cebu City and the Municipality of Labrador, Pangasinan for their patriotic initiatives in officially declaring July 12 as ‘West Philippine Sea Victory Day,’” Trinidad said.

“By institutionalizing this historic milestone, these local government units have reinforced our country’s legal and moral triumph through the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award. This commendable action not only honors the courage of our maritime frontliners but also inspires a deeper sense of national pride and unity among our people,” he added.

The two local government units adopted the observance through separate measures. Last month, the Cebu City Council approved a resolution declaring 12 July as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” and urged Congress to institutionalize the observance nationwide. Labrador, Pangasinan later issued Executive Order 41, designating 12 July as an annual commemoration and directing schools to hold activities highlighting the significance of the landmark arbitral ruling.

“As protectors of our sovereignty, the AFP strongly encourages other local government units across the archipelago to follow this patriotic example. Let us stand united in safeguarding our maritime heritage. By standing firmly together, we send a clear and unwavering message: our seas are part of our identity, our livelihood, and our future,” Trinidad said.

As the 10th anniversary of the landmark ruling approaches next week, the AFP continues to encourage more local government units to declare 12 July as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day.”

Earlier, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. also expressed support for Cebu City’s resolution.

“We laud the resolution. The 2016 Arbitral Award was indeed a victory that our country should embrace and continue to uphold. We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated,” Teodoro said.

In July 2016, a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China over the West Philippine Sea, rejecting Beijing’s so-called nine-dash line claim. The ruling affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Meanwhile, the National Maritime Council (NMC) also called on the country’s youth to help uphold and protect the arbitral ruling.

“This issue may not be resolved within the current generation, making it crucial for young Filipinos to understand and defend the country’s maritime entitlements,” NMC Undersecretary Alexander Lopez said.

Lopez likened the country’s campaign to uphold international law to a marathon rather than a sprint.