MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday commended the successful mission of Atin Ito Coalition, describing it as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Filipinos and a powerful assertion of the nation’s sovereignty.
The AFP issued the statement on the same day Atin Ito planted the Philippine flag on Pag-asa Cay 2, a site which has recently served as a flashpoint between China and the Philippines amid reports of Chinese Coast Guard activity and ongoing Philippine patrols.
READ: WPS: Atin Ito plants PH flag on Pag-asa Cay 2 amid Chinese presence
“By peacefully asserting our presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the ‘Atin Ito’ mission amplifies the voice of our fisherfolk and local communities,” AFP spokesperson for the WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said.
“It reinforces the truth that the WPS is not just a strategic maritime area, but an integral part of our national heritage and livelihood,” he added.
The AFP maintained its commitment to protecting the country’s territory and supporting peaceful, rules-based initiatives that uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“We stand in solidarity with every Filipino who bravely stands for what is rightfully ours. Your courage inspires us to remain steadfast in our duty,” Trinidad said.
The Philippines has been embroiled in a long-time territorial dispute with China after the latter—through its so-called 10-dash line—claimed ownership of most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
China’s 10-dash claims have also been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013.
Despite this, the Asian giant continued to deliberately ignore the ruling, consistently encroaching on the Philippines’ EEZ. /gsg
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