The Department of National Defense (DND) joined the nation in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award during a nationwide flag-raising ceremony on Monday at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

The DND recognized the collaborative and patriotic efforts of Filipinos, from fisherfolk to public servants, in upholding and defending the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through the rule of law.

Attended by officials and employees of the DND and its bureaus, the activity affirmed the department’s commitment to honoring the country’s legal victory in asserting its maritime rights.

The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award is a binding decision under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which found that China’s expansive “nine-dash line” has no legal basis under international law.

The Philippine Army also joined the commemoration through simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies on 6 July 2026 at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio and in various camps nationwide.

Issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on 12 July 2016, the arbitral award upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights over disputed maritime areas under UNCLOS and invalidated China’s sweeping claims over much of the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea.

The ceremony at the Army headquarters was attended by senior officers, enlisted personnel and civilian human resource personnel, while major Army units participated via video conference from their respective locations.

The Army said the commemoration affirms its commitment to securing the country’s land domain through the implementation of the Land Defense Concept in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations.