Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785230699428176199358586720240516-atin-ito-wps-MT-52 (1).webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Fishermen who joined the second Atin Ito-led civilian mission to Scarborough Shoal on May 16, 2024. <em>Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s fifth State of the Nation Address reinforced the military’s mission to defend the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.</p><p>AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the President’s address gave the military a clear strategic direction as it continues to carry out its constitutional mandate.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/27/-we-are-not-racists-not-liars-marcos-says-ph-won-t-abandon-arbitral-award-1754">&#x27;We are not racist, not liars&#x27;: Marcos says PH &#x27;won&#x27;t abandon&#x27; arbitral award</a></div><p>“The President has set the direction. The Armed Forces of the Philippines stands ready to carry out this direction with courage, honor, and unwavering commitment to the Constitution and to every Filipino,” Padilla told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.</p><p>She said the AFP welcomed Marcos’ “clear and unequivocal” message, particularly his declaration that the Philippines “will not yield” and his commitment to uphold the 2016 arbitral award.</p><p>Padilla also underscored the significance of local government units declaring July 12 as “Victory Day” to commemorate the arbitral ruling, expressing hope that more municipalities would adopt the observance in the future.</p><p>The military also welcomed the President’s recognition of the sacrifices made by members of the AFP, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Filipino fisherfolk who continue to operate in the country’s waters despite persistent challenges.</p><p>“For the Armed Forces of the Philippines, these are more than policy statements. They reinforce our mission that we carry out every day,” Padilla said.</p><p>“We will continue to defend our sovereignty, our sovereign rights, and protect the Filipino people and uphold the rule of law with professionalism, discipline, and restraint following this guidance,” she added.</p><p>Despite continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Padilla said the military remains steadfast in its mission.</p><p>“Our resolve remains unshaken. Our mission has not changed, and it will not change. We will continue to stand watch over our seas, support our fellow Filipinos who depend on these waters for their livelihood, and work with our partners to preserve peace, stability, and a rules-based international order,” the official stressed.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong><strong>:</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_taGk2VmsTQ?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RHwS8b9N7rA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) reinforced the military’s mission to defend the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.</p>

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) reinforced the military’s mission to defend the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

AFP says Marcos' SONA reinforces mission to defend West PH Sea

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

AFP says Marcos' SONA reinforces mission to defend West PH Sea

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 28, 2026 05:28 PM PHT

Read More:

Armed Forces of the Philippines

State of the Nation Address

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

West Philippine Sea

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.