AFP CALLS ON MORE LGUS TO DECLARE JULY 12 AS WEST PHILIPPINE SEA VICTORY DAY

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday urged more local government units to declare July 12 as “West Philippine Sea Victory Day” following similar initiatives by Cebu City and Labrador, Pangasinan.

AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, retired admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the declarations strengthen public awareness of the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory against China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

Cebu City earlier passed a resolution recognizing the observance and calling on Congress to institutionalize it nationwide, while Labrador issued an executive order directing schools to conduct related commemorative activities.

Trinidad said the initiatives honor Filipino maritime frontliners and reinforce the country’s legal and moral victory under international law.

The July 12 observance marks the anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Source: PhilNews24 | July 5, 2026