West PH Sea award's 10th anniversary celebrated by uniformed personnel

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Law enforcement personnel, members of the uniformed services, and representatives from various government agencies gathered in Cebu City on Sunday, July 12, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines’ maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

Held under the theme “Dekada ng Batas, Hindi Dahas (Decade of Law, Not Force),” the two-day commemoration featured a photo exhibit, static display of equipment, cultural presentations, and band performances.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command through the 3rd Civil Relations Group of the Civil-Military Operations Command organized the events.

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The commemoration forms part of the AFP’s activities marking the July 12, 2016 ruling of the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal.

The ruling affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea and underscored the country’s commitment to the peaceful and rules-based resolution of maritime disputes.

Representatives of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Coast Guard attended the event.

So did representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the 53rd Engineer Brigade, the 14th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, and other government agencies.

Law trounces force

In his remarks, Lt. Col. Israel Galorio, AFP Visayas Command spokesperson, described the 2016 arbitral award as “a triumph of law over force, of principle over power.”

It affirmed, he added, the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its waters, marine resources, and maritime future.

“That ruling was not just a legal victory; it was a moral beacon, reminding us that justice can prevail even against overwhelming odds,” Galorio said.

Galorio said the anniversary serves as a reminder that the Philippines continues to uphold its maritime rights through international law, diplomacy, and unity rather than aggression.

He said the theme reflects the country’s commitment to pursuing peaceful and rules-based approaches in addressing maritime issues.

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According to Galorio, efforts in diplomacy, legislation, education, and community engagement all contribute to safeguarding the country’s maritime domain for future generations.

The West Philippine Sea, moreover, is more than a territorial concern. He described it as a source of livelihood, food security, energy resources, and national heritage that must be protected.

“The West Philippine Sea is not just water and waves. It is livelihood for our people, food for our tables, energy for our progress, and heritage for our children. To defend it is to defend our very identity as a nation,” Galorio said.

Preserving awareness

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Pablo Labra II said the city’s observance seeks not only to commemorate a legal victory but also to preserve public awareness of its significance and strengthen respect for international law.

Labra, who sponsored the resolution declaring every July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day in Cebu City, said the measure aims to instill patriotism. It also seeks ensure that future generations understand the importance of the arbitral ruling and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“Our observance of West Philippine Sea Victory Day is not an expression of hostility toward any nation. It is an affirmation of our commitment to truth. It is a declaration of our respect for international law. It is a reminder that while we always choose peace, we must never surrender our principles,” Labra said.

Labra likewise stressed that, as a nation of islands, Filipinos have long depended on the sea for support through fishing, commerce, and transportation.

Protecting the country’s maritime rights, he said, is therefore about safeguarding livelihoods, preserving natural resources, securing the nation’s future, and protecting the dignity of the Filipino people.

“The West Philippine Sea is more than a body of water. It is part of our national heritage. It is a source of life and livelihood. It is a symbol of our dignity as a sovereign people,” Labra said.

Furthermore, patriotism should extend beyond commemorative events and shine in public service, education, governance, and the everyday responsibilities of citizens, he said.

Sound of the ocean

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Central Visayas (CGDCV), together with Philippine-flagged vessels and members of the maritime community, simultaneously sounded ships’ horns 10 times in one minute as part of the nationwide “Tunog ng Karagatan (Sound of the Ocean)” observance marking the ruling’s 10th anniversary.

According to the Coast Guard, the synchronized sounding of ships’ horns symbolized solidarity among the Philippine maritime community and reaffirmed the country’s continued commitment to sovereignty, peace, and the rules-based international maritime order a decade after the arbitral award.

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