AFP one with PBBM on call to protect West PH Sea
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
January 31, 2025, 9:52 pm
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is one with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in upholding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Friday.
"From day one, the President has made it unequivocally clear that we will not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power. The AFP fully embraces this commitment and remains resolute in defending our sovereign rights in the WPS," he said in a statement.
Brawner also said the illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) in the country's maritime domain must stop immediately.
These actions, the AFP chief said, include the continued harassment of Philippine vessels through dangerous maneuvers and interference with the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.
Brawner said such actions are not only violations of international law such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, but also clear infringements of the country's domestic laws.
He added that these reckless actions threaten regional stability and undermine both the sovereignty of the Philippines and the principles of a rules-based international order.
"With support from President Marcos, the AFP continues to strengthen our defense posture, enhancing our self-reliant capabilities and deepening security partnerships with like-minded nations," Brawner said.
"The AFP also remains in close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and other maritime agencies in asserting our rights and safeguarding our national interests," he added. (PNA)
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