A commissioned survey by OCTA Research found that a large majority of Filipinos support joint military exercises and patrols in the West Philippine Sea, with 71 percent of respondents saying these activities are beneficial to the country.
Only 14 percent believe they are harmful, while seven percent said they have no effect, based on the March 19 to 25 survey conducted for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
OCTA said the results suggest strong public backing for defense activities that may contribute to regional stability and deterrence.
The poll, which surveyed 1,200 respondents with a ±3 percent margin of error, also noted differences in opinion across regions and socioeconomic groups.
The findings were released at the request of the AFP as policymakers review defense strategies in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 9, 2026
