PH To Bolster Coast Guard And Armed Forces' Capabilities Amidst WPS Tensions

The Philippines will continue to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and pursue the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amidst tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), stated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

President Marcos reiterated during his keynote address at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, Australia, that the Philippines shall never surrender even a square inch of its territory and maritime jurisdiction to any country. I Photo: Bongbong Marcos Facebook

President Marcos reiterated during his keynote address at the Lowy Institute in Melbourne, Australia, that the Philippines shall never surrender even a square inch of its territory and maritime jurisdiction to any country.

“In this regard, we are upgrading the capabilities of our Coast Guard and pursuing the modernization of our Armed Forces,” Marcos emphasized during the gathering.

“And earlier this year, I approved the updated acquisition plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines called Re-Horizon 3, in line with our Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” he stressed.

Marcos highlighted the necessity for Philippine forces to guarantee, to the fullest extent possible, the unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources in areas where the Philippines has jurisdiction, including within its exclusive economic zone, in accordance with international law.

Philippine agencies, forces, and institutions are working to strengthen their capabilities, noted Marcos, stating that the country is on the frontline of international efforts to preserve, defend, and uphold the rules-based international order.

To address differences with China, Marcos stated that the Philippines will continue to engage with its giant neighbor bilaterally and through ASEAN-led mechanisms.

He added that the Philippines will adhere to the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and remain committed to working with ASEAN and China towards an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) based on UNCLOS.

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