Philippine Military Vows to Protect National Sovereignty with All Available Resources

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared on Friday its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territory and sovereignty, utilizing every tool at its disposal in compliance with international law. In a statement, the AFP emphasized its dedication to maintaining national sovereignty and protecting territorial integrity, fully adhering to global legal standards. Despite facing resource constraints compared to other countries, the AFP, in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard and other governmental bodies, will continue to uphold the country’s rights and execute its duty to protect both the populace and the national territory. The AFP is focused on bolstering its defense capabilities through ongoing modernization efforts, cooperative engagements with allied nations, and proactive maritime surveillance to ensure the security of Philippine waters. On Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, despite the persistent presence of China’s ‘monster ship’ in Philippine waters. Marcos asserted that the Philippines would maintain a constant presence, stating, ‘Even if they ram our ships, use water cannons, lasers, or block our way, no matter what they do, the Philippines will always be there.’ He further emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that Filipino fishermen can exercise their sovereign rights in these waters.