The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) affirmed its readiness to implement President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directives regarding the protection of national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).AFP spokesperson Col.

Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized the military's unwavering commitment to defending Filipino interests, stating that the armed forces would not yield to foreign harassment.This stance aligns with Marcos' recent State of the Nation Address, where he warned against external threats targeting Filipinos.The AFP also highlighted its participation in a multilateral maritime exercise with the U.S.Pacific Command and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific.

Padilla reiterated that the AFP's actions are lawful and necessary to safeguard national territory, rejecting any attempts to undermine their mission.

The article also mentions China's recent provocative actions, such as a video showing a monkey wearing Filipino traditional attire, which underscores tensions in the region.