The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said strong public support for defending Philippine territories, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS), reinforces its mandate to secure the country’s maritime domains.
AFP spokesperson for WPS concerns Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the military welcomes the findings of a recent OCTA Research “Tugon ng Masa” survey showing broad Filipino backing for government efforts to defend national territory.
“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 WPS,” Trinidad said.
The survey, conducted from March 19 to 25 with 1,200 adult respondents and a ±3 percent margin of error, found that 76 percent of Filipinos are willing to defend Philippine territories, while 17 percent were undecided and 7 percent disagreed.
Trinidad said the results strengthen the military’s resolve to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
“This overwhelming manifestation of support with only seven percent disagreement strengthens our resolve to keep performing our mandate. It also underscores that the defense of our sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime entitlements is a collective duty anchored on national unity,” he said.
He added that the AFP remains guided by its Constitutional mandate and the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept in securing the country’s exclusive economic zone and protecting Filipino fishermen.
“This strong public trust fortifies our determination to resist coercive and illegal actions in our waters,” Trinidad said.
The AFP assured the public that its operations will continue to be carried out with professionalism, transparency, and adherence to international law.
