The Department of National Defense (DND) said it will continue deploying military assets in the West Philippine Sea to protect the country’s maritime territory and document alleged illegal activities by foreign vessels.
The commitment comes as the Philippines marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s sweeping South China Sea claims under international law.
The DND said its operations are guided by evidence, international law, and the rules-based order, while noting that the Philippines has gained support from several countries backing the ruling.
The National Maritime Council (NMC) also reaffirmed that the arbitral award remains final and legally binding despite China’s rejection of the decision.
The DND vowed to continue defending Philippine sovereignty and maintaining a credible deterrent in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 19, 2026
DND VOWS CONTINUOUS ASSET DEPLOYMENT IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
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