Joint exercises not a threat to regional peace – NSC

MANILA, Philippines — The joint air and sea patrols of the Philippines with allies and partners are in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rule of law, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said.

“The actions of the Philippines are never threats to regional peace and security. Our navy, coast guard, and BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessels are not the ones doing intimidation, harassment and aggression against other vessels,” Año said in a statement on Saturday.

He cited the recent OCTA Research survey which clearly shows a great majority of Filipinos strongly support asserting the country’s maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Año said the survey result is a powerful expression of unity and patriotism, and the“people are resolute in standing up for what is rightfully ours.”

“Our joint air and sea patrols and multilateral exercises with allies and partners, such as the recently concluded Exercise ALON 2025, are routinary activities,” he said.

“It demonstrates that our commitment to regional peace and stability is reinforced by joint readiness to address contemporary security challenges and is capable of responding to any and all emerging threats,” Año added.

The survey showed that 85 percent of Filipinos continue to distrust China, and see it as the greatest threat to the Philippines.

The result, Año said, only strengthens the call for vigilance and national solidarity, and affirms Filipinos understand the challenges the country is facing, and are firmly behind the government’s efforts to defend sovereignty, sovereign rights and territorial integrity.

He noted the findings highlight strong public backing for assertive government actions related to the WPS.

Strengthened by this support, Año stressed that the “government will never waver in upholding our rights and jurisdiction under international law, particularly UNCLOS, and domestic law such as the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.”

“We will also continue strengthening our defense and maritime capabilities, deepening our alliances with like-minded partners, and working tirelessly for peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Año said the Philippines is not intimidated by China’s use of military force, and sees no need to utilize its own military assets to carry out law enforcement operations in the country’s territorial waters.