AFP to use all means to defend PH territory, sovereignty
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
February 7, 2025, 6:16 pm
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it will use all means at its disposal to protect the country's territory and sovereignty in accordance with international law.
"The AFP remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding national sovereignty and safeguarding territorial integrity, using all available means in full adherence to international law," it said in a statement.
Despite its limited resources compared to other nations, the AFP, with the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard and other government agencies, will continue to assert the country's rights and fulfill its mandate of protecting the people and the country's territory.
"We remain unwavering in our efforts to enhance our defense capabilities through sustained modernization, cooperative activities with like-minded nations, and proactive maritime patrols to secure our waters," it emphasized.
On Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country's commitment to defending its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the ongoing presence of China's "monster ship" in Philippine waters.
"They will always find the Philippine presence, no matter what they do. Kahit na banggain ang barko natin, kahit mag-water cannon sila, mag-laser sila, kahit mag-block sila - kahit anong gawin nila, laging nandiyan ang Pilipinas (Even of they ram our ships, water cannon us, fire us with laser or block our way, no matter what they do, the Philippines will be there)," Marcos said.
Marcos said the government will ensure that Filipino fisherfolk would be "able to exercise their sovereign rights" in these waters. (PNA)
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