Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
AFP vows tougher WPS resistance as 76 percent of Filipinos back territorial defense
Philippines
National
AFP vows tougher WPS resistance as 76 percent of Filipinos back territorial defense
AFP vows tougher WPS resistance as 76 percent of Filipinos back territorial defense
Published May 25, 2026 05:12 pm
A Philippine Navy personnel aboard BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) carries out an Officer of the Watch (OOW) Manning Exercise during the division tactics and maneuvering drills alongside partner vessels as part of the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) held by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) and Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the West Philippine Sea from April 9 to 12, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said strong public backing for the country’s position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has strengthened its resolve to resist “coercive and illegal actions” by China in the country’s waters.
AFP spokesperson for the WPS, retired admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad cited an OCTA Research survey which showed that 76 percent of Filipinos support the government’s commitment to defend the country’s territory and sovereignty in the WPS.
“The AFP welcomes the latest OCTA Research survey results, which reveal that 76 percent of Filipinos stand firmly behind the government’s commitment to defend our national territory, particularly the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad said.
An OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa survey found that 76 percent of Filipinos support the government in defending the country’s territory and sovereign rights, including the WPS, while only seven percent disagreed.
Support was highest in Metro Manila at 83 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 77 percent and Mindanao at 75 percent. The Visayas posted the lowest support at 68 percent.
The face-to-face survey was conducted from March 19 to 25 among 1,200 adults nationwide. It had a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.
Tensions continue in the WPS following repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels near disputed features inside Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Manila has repeatedly protested Beijing’s actions, including the use of water cannons, dangerous maneuvers, and shadowing of Philippine resupply and patrol missions.
“This overwhelming manifestation of support with only seven percent disagreement strengthens our resolve to keep performing our mandate,” Trinidad said.
“It also underscores that the defense of our sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime entitlements is a collective duty anchored on national unity,” he added.
According to Trinidad, the AFP has intensified its maritime patrols and joint exercises with allied countries in recent months amid growing security concerns in the region.
The AFP has also pushed for stronger international support while insisting that disputes in the South China Sea must be resolved under international law, particularly the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims.
China, however, continues to reject the ruling and maintains its presence in the contested features.
Trinidad said the military remains committed to securing the country’s EEZ and protecting Filipino fishermen operating in contested waters.
“Your AFP, guided by our constitutional mandate and the CADC [Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept], remains unwavering in its duty to secure our EEZ and protect our Filipino fishermen,” he said.
CADC serves as the country’s strategic defense framework aimed at protecting Philippine territory and maritime zones through coordinated military operations and partnerships.
“This strong public trust fortifies our determination to resist coercive and illegal actions in our waters,” Trinidad said.
“We assure the Filipino people we will continue to perform our operations with professionalism, transparency and adherence to international law,” he noted.