WPS crisis and defense upgrades are at the forefront of the Philippine government’s security agenda as National Security Adviser Eduardo Año warned that tensions in the West Philippine Sea are unlikely to ease soon due to China’s continued aggressive actions.
Speaking at a recent forum, Año emphasized that China’s illegal presence, militarization, and harassment of Filipino fishermen, particularly around Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), remain a serious threat.
He cited China’s persistent disregard for the 2016 arbitral ruling, and its coast guard and navy’s use of coercive tactics such as dangerous maneuvers, lasers, water cannons, and forced evacuations as blatant violations of Philippine sovereignty.
Año declared that the Philippines will never surrender its territorial integrity, stressing that the WPS issue is not only about territorial rights but also about livelihood, national security, and the future of the Filipino people.
To address these concerns, the government is advancing a long-term policy framework to ensure consistent maritime protection despite changes in the global political landscape.
In tandem, efforts are being made to strengthen the country’s military and maritime law enforcement capabilities, as well as deepen partnerships with allied nations.
According to Año, building a robust, credible, and self-reliant defense system is key to upholding Philippine sovereignty and maritime entitlements.