Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. underscored the importance of strengthening the country’s defense posture and implementing proactive measures to address threats in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Teodoro delivered this statement during the 49th founding anniversary celebration of the Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, according to DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong.
“Representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary Teodoro conveyed the Commander-in-Chief’s appreciation for WesCom’s unwavering efforts in securing the WPS,” Andolong said in a news release.
During the event, Teodoro emphasized the importance of fostering enhanced regional engagements and commended the Western Command (WesCom) for its unwavering dedication to its mandate despite mounting geopolitical challenges.
Teodoro highlighted that defending the nation’s sovereign rights and maritime interests requires a united front, involving the military, the government, and the Filipino people.
He also stressed the need for internal security operations to adapt and evolve in response to emerging threats posed by external actors seeking to compromise the Philippines’ territorial integrity and maritime claims.
“Much as they (Chinese Communist Party) would like to claim, no ASEAN country accepts the legitimacy of that 10-dash line, because that is the biggest fiction and lie that can be sold to any right-thinking person,” the DND chief noted.
Reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening international partnerships, Teodoro cited recent high-level engagements with Japan, the United States, and ASEAN partners, emphasizing a shared interest in upholding a rules-based international order.