The Philippine Navy commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling in the West Philippine Sea with a synchronized water salute and tugboat horn ceremony in Subic Bay Freeport.

This event honored the landmark decision by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) tribunal, which invalidated China's 'nine-dash line' claims and affirmed the Philippines' maritime rights.

The ruling recognized Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) as a traditional fishing ground for Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese fishermen, while condemning China's unlawful restrictions on Filipino access.

Despite the legal victory, challenges persist as Chinese Coast Guard harassment continues to affect Filipino fishermen, who still face blockades and displacement from their traditional grounds.

The ceremony highlighted the gap between the tribunal's decision and the ongoing realities at sea, underscoring the need for sustained international support and legal enforcement to protect Philippine sovereignty.

The event also served as a reminder of the broader geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines' legal stance remains a critical point of contention with China.