The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Philippine Army on Monday launched the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defending its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through international law.

The observance began with a nationwide flag-raising ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo attended by DND officials and employees, while the Philippine Army held simultaneous ceremonies at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio and major camps across the country.

The DND recognized the contributions of Filipinos — from fisherfolk to public servants — in asserting and protecting the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through peaceful and lawful means.

The activity also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to upholding the country’s legal victory under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on 12 July 2016, the landmark ruling invalidated China’s expansive nine-dash line claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine Army said the commemoration underscored its continuing role in safeguarding the country’s territory through the implementation of its Land Defense Concept in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations.

Army commanders, senior officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees joined the ceremony, with major units participating through video teleconference from camps nationwide.

The DND said the weeklong observance honors one of the Philippines’ most significant diplomatic and legal victories while reinforcing its commitment to protecting the country’s maritime rights in accordance with international law.