THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) held a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the landmark 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling on the West Philippine Sea on Monday, July 6, at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan.
Led by Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) commander, alongside Col. Jorry L. Baclor, acting deputy commander of EastMinCom, the event brought together military officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources across various tenant units stationed at Camp Panacan.
The observance marks exactly ten years since the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague issued its historic ruling on July 12, 2016, invalidating China’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claims.
The case, originally lodged by the Republic of the Philippines under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), officially recognized Manila’s exclusive sovereign rights and maritime entitlements over its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Defense officials highlighted the anniversary as a symbol of the country’s enduring commitment to international law and the peaceful resolution of territorial friction.
During the ceremony, Battung read a directive from AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S. Brawner Jr., reminding troops that defending territorial boundaries remains an absolute, non-negotiable constitutional mandate.
“Today, we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the West Philippine Sea—a milestone that continues to strengthen our resolve as a nation,” Brawner’s statement read. “For us in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it carries a clear responsibility. We are called to protect our people, uphold our sovereign rights, and strengthen our territorial defense posture… The West Philippine Sea is ours. The West Philippine Sea is ours. Ours is the responsibility to care for it. Ours is the duty to defend it—with dignity, professionalism, and love for country).”
While EastMinCom’s geographic jurisdiction primarily covers the defense and security of eastern Mindanao, the command explicitly renewed its pledge to back national territorial integrity maneuvers.
Officials concluded that bolstering local defensive capabilities directly supports the wider AFP mandate to protect Filipino fishermen and safeguard maritime assets for future generations.
