AFP to continue WPS mission amid Marcos’ diplomatic push

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said the military will keep doing its mission while the government pushes for diplomatic efforts in addressing the West Philippines Sea (WPS) issue.

In a statement, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to use diplomatic strategies to settle the matter during his third State of the Nation Address.

“The AFP fully supports the President's strategy of a fair and pacific approach, emphasizing a rules-based international order and efforts toward de-escalation. We believe in the importance of maintaining peace and stability through diplomatic means and constructive dialogue,” Brawner said.

But he noted that the AFP will keep doing its mission to protect WPS’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

“The AFP will continue to uphold our mission, ensuring that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are safeguarded and that we remain vigilant in our commitment to national defense,” he said.

“We will not yield and waver and will face open and covert threats to our national security with the courage of a true Filipino patriot,” he added.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, meanwhile, thanked Marcos for his support and echoed his call not to yield in protecting the territory.

"The support of our Commander-in-Chief for all the efforts of the Navy in the West Philippine Sea will further strengthen the resolve to perform our mandate above and beyond the call of duty,” he said in a separate statement.

“Our men and women, especially those in our occupied features, are thankful their sacrifices are recognized. Your Navy will not yield, nor will we waiver in ensuring the integrity of our territory,” he added.

International Support

Following Marcos’ SONA, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the Philippines will keep its efforts in seeking more international support amid the tension in the WPS.

“The guidance of the President is clear: The Philippines is committed to the cause of peace. We are committed to address and manage difficult issues through dialogue and through diplomacy,”  Año said in a separate statement.

“As a peaceful nation, our doors are always open to open and frank discussions based on mutual respect and sincerity. If you call, we will answer,” he added.

Tensions continue in the area amid China’s massive claim in the South China Sea including the portion the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea.

The SCS is a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual ship commerce. Aside from the Philippines, China has overlapping claims in the area with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China, however, does not recognize the decision. 

Earlier, the two countries in a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meeting sought to de-escalate the tension in the WPS. —VAL, GMA Integrated News