DND marks arbitral ruling anniversary, vows to defend West Philippine Sea

The Department of National Defense (DND) joined the nation on Saturday in commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, describing the ruling as a landmark decision that affirmed the Philippines' rights and entitlements within its exclusive economic zone.

The DND said it is encouraged by the growing awareness and sense of ownership among Filipinos over the West Philippine Sea.

"It is heartening to note that Filipinos today have a growing awareness and sense of ownership of the West Philippine Sea. This shift is reflected in survey after survey, with a recent poll indicating that 86 percent of our population supports our efforts to work with like-minded countries in defending the West Philippine Sea," the department said.

The DND said it remains focused on building a "strong, capable, responsive, and deterrent defense system," particularly by strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept while preserving gains in internal security operations.

"Without public support, this task cannot be achieved," it said.

The department also underscored the Philippines' role in promoting international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"On the international stage, the Philippines has emerged as a convergence hub for upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Given the importance of our location and the fundamental principles of international law we uphold, countries from all over the world have found common cause with us, which we channel into purposive action," the DND said.

It added that the country's partnerships continue to expand because they are anchored on "fundamental freedoms, transparency, and the rule of law," unlike what it described as "sinister and cabalistic United Front Work and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions."

The DND said it and the AFP will continue working to uphold the arbitral award and safeguard the country's territorial integrity.

"The Department of National Defense, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will continue to be unstinting in the struggle to enforce this Award and to preserve our territorial integrity," it said.

The department also pledged to strengthen public awareness of the West Philippine Sea to reinforce national unity and resilience.

"We will seek not only to increase public knowledge of the West Philippine Sea, but also to ensure that this knowledge strengthens our national resolve and resilience. Ultimately, we will resist and combat any attempt to deny our rights and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea—for these are not only ours to protect, but also those of future generations of Filipinos," the DND said.

The statement concluded with the call: "Yakapin natin ang ating West Philippine Sea! Atin ito! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Hindi ka pasisiil."