In a strong show of unity, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared its unwavering support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s stance on protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the military’s commitment to defending every inch of Philippine territory against foreign encroachment.
Brawner condemned the ongoing illegal and aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army-Navy, which have included dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels and interference with local fishermen’s livelihoods. He labeled these actions as not only breaches of international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award, but also violations of Philippine domestic laws.
The AFP chief warned that such reckless behavior by foreign forces jeopardizes regional stability and undermines the principles of a rules-based international order. Under President Marcos’s leadership, the AFP is enhancing its defense capabilities and fostering stronger security alliances with nations that share similar values.
Brawner also highlighted the AFP’s ongoing collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard and other maritime agencies to assert the country’s rights and protect its national interests in the West Philippine Sea.