(Armed Forces of the Philippines)

San Narciso, Zambales——The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is asking members of the media to keep Filipinos informed about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue as tensions continue to escalate in the heavily disputed waters.

In a speech delivered by DFA Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez during the National Security Cluster 2024 Communications Workshop on Friday, May 3, the agency stressed that the public should be aware of importance of fighting for Philippine sovereignty.

“We must ensure that every Filipino understands the situation in the WPS, the strength of our claims based on international law, and the unwavering commitment of our government to protect our national interests,” he said.

Alferez said the support of Filipinos is the “fuel that propels” the actions of the government when it comes to defending its territory.

With this, he said journalists should empower the public to become "ambassadors" for the WPS by sharing the truth to their families, communities, and the world.

“Of course, there will be those who attempt to distort our message, to create confusion and cast doubt, especially amongst our own people. But with strategic and concerted communication, we can rise above the noise,” Alferez said.

“We can present a united front, a nation speaking with one clear voice that resonates with powerful determination,” he added.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) validated in a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the WPS.

Despite this historic victory, China has continued intruding into Philippine territory.

The Asian giant continues to insist its historical claim over the sea based on its nine-dash line, which UNCLOS already ruled to have no lawful effect.

To combat China’s fictitious messaging, the DFA said the truth should reverberate not just in Manila “but across the archipelago and well-beyond our shores”.

“We want to see the West Philippine Sea and the wider South China Sea become a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous that benefits not only the Southeast Asian region but also the world,” noted Alferez.

The DFA sought the media’s support to counter individuals who “peddlemalign influence across all platforms”, since the agency is “not skilled at dancing” with malicious propaganda, he said.

“We must continue to categorically reject these narratives when we can, and ensure that our positions, firmly based on the international law, are beyond reach of those that seek to plant doubt,” he continued.