PH TERRITORY. Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, the commander of the Western Command (WESCOM) on Wednesday (July 11, 2023) said his troops are committed to protecting "every inch" of Philippine territory. Seen in this photo taken on June 30, 2023 are Chinese vessels entering the Iroquois Reef, a body of water within the West Philippine Sea. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – The Western Command (Wescom) on Wednesday marked the seventh anniversary of the country's arbitration victory over China's territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, the commander of Wescom, gathered troops and non-uniformed personnel in commemorating the landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on July 12, 2016.
He said the PCA’s decision bestowed credibility and recognition upon the sovereignty, sovereign rights and entitlements of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"As the frontliner in enforcing this ruling, the Western Command remains the dominant force in protecting every inch of the country’s territory and the riches in our exclusive economic zone," he said.
Despite China's claim that the ruling lacks enforceability and their continuous and provocative attempts to justify their position, Carlos said the arbitration victory has profound implications for the maritime security of the country within its territorial waters.
Carlos said the decision establishes a crucial precedent for international law and underscores the significance of resolving maritime disputes peacefully through arbitration, as well as adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
"We are heartened by the solid fact that the decision is now part of international law, is recognized by the international community, and has become the basis for policies and actions in the WPS," Carlos said.
"We are one with our neighbors and allies in enforcing a rules-based order so that peace and order, freedom of navigation, trade and commerce, and the gifts of nature will continue to flourish to be enjoyed by all future generations," he added.
Carlos also made sure to convey his pride and admiration for the men and women of Wescom who diligently serve as frontline defenders, protecting every part of Philippine territory and the precious resources within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
"In our remotest outposts at sea, very few dare to go because of the unpredictability of the temperament of the forces of man and nature. There, the Wescom soldiers raise the Philippine Flag without fail and proudly fly, sail, and stand guard to defend what is definitively ours," he stated. (PNA)
