Amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and continued provocations from the China Coast Guard (CCG), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a firm declaration on the country’s territorial integrity, stating, “I do not intend to yield. Filipinos do not yield.”
Speaking before global security leaders at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 in Singapore, held from May 31 to June 2, President Marcos reinforced his administration’s unwavering stance in defending Philippine sovereignty.
“I will not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines,” he asserted.
Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which invalidated China’s 10-dash line claims, the Chinese Coast Guard continues to escalate its aggressive activities, harassing Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel, Navy sailors, and Filipino fishermen operating in Philippine waters.
Strengthening National Awareness and Defense Initiatives
To counter disinformation and reinforce public awareness, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched Communication Plan (COMPLAN) Mulat, an initiative aimed at ensuring transparency and educating Filipinos on the country’s maritime rights.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. introduced COMPLAN Mulat on July 4, 2024, during the AFP’s mid-year command conference with President Marcos.
Derived from the Filipino word “mulat” (aware), the campaign seeks to combat false narratives and divisive propaganda that threaten national unity. AFP officials have warned of foreign efforts to sow panic and discord among Filipinos, urging the public to remain vigilant against misinformation.
Department of National Defense (DND) Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong emphasized the critical role of public awareness in preserving national security, stating, “There are malicious narratives designed to weaken our unity and political stability. The goal of these false claims is to disrupt our nation’s progress and quality of life.”
‘Tatag Kapuluan’ and Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Strategy
As part of a broader national defense strategy, the AFP introduced ‘Tatag Kapuluan’ on December 20, 2024, during its 89th founding anniversary. This initiative strengthens the country’s ability to defend its waters and secure maritime trade routes, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
Additionally, the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) has been developed to expand defense capabilities across the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This initiative, championed by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, aims to strengthen military assets and extend surveillance and deterrence operations across the country’s vast maritime borders.
“With CADC, we are expanding our capacity to defend our territory, reaching the farthest edges of our EEZ and extended continental shelves,” Teodoro stated.
Upholding Sovereignty: Resupply Missions and BRP Sierra Madre
The Philippine military continues its regular resupply (RoRe) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, stationed at Ayungin Shoal, as part of efforts to assert sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea.
Despite repeated Chinese blockades and interference, the AFP remains committed to ensuring the delivery of essential supplies to Filipino personnel stationed there.
“We will exhaust all possible means, and we will do it on our own first. Kaya natin ito (We can do this),” declared General Brawner on August 29, 2024.
President Marcos has also refuted claims that the Philippine government agreed to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, stating, “I know of no agreement to move our ship from our own territory.”
A Nation That Stands Firm
As China continues its unlawful activities in Philippine waters, the Marcos administration remains resolute in defending the country’s maritime rights.
“Filipinos shall not yield,” the President reiterated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding national sovereignty.
With strengthened defense strategies, increased transparency efforts, and continued public awareness campaigns, the Philippines is reinforcing its position in the West Philippine Sea, ensuring that future generations inherit a nation that stands firm in protecting its rightful territory.
