Majority of Pinoys back more WPS joint patrols

Close to 8 in 10 Filipinos are in favor of the Philippines holding joint sails and patrols with foreign states to assert the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea, a recent Social Weather Stations survey showed.

At least 77 percent of the respondents agreed that the “Philippine government must further strengthen its alliance with other countries” through joint patrols, joint sails, and joint military exercises to assert and defend the country’s territorial and economic rights in the WPS.

Respondents from the National Capital Region gave the highest support at 84 percent followed by the rest of Luzon at 82 percent, Visayas at 77 percent, and Mindanao at 64 percent.

The survey also showed 78 percent of respondents prefer “a candidate who believes that the Philippines  must assert our rights against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.”

Support for candidates who believe in fighting for the country’s rights in the WPS is highest in the National Capital Region at 87 percent, while respondents from Mindanao gave the least support at 67 percent.

The Stratbase ADRi-commissioned poll was conducted from Feb. 15 to 19 with a total of 1,800 respondents nationwide. It has a +/-2 percent margin of error.

During a forum in Makati City on Friday, Stratbase ADRi president Dindo Manhit said the survey results signal the need for the country to further reinforce its defense posture and collaborate more closely with allies.

“It tells us really where we stand as a nation. We know who our friends are. We know that we might be not as strong as we could be, but our strength is with our friends and allies,” he said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla assured the public that Manila would further engage and strengthen military cooperation with allies and partners.

Efforts to increase maritime patrols as well as joint drills, she said, would continue “not just in the West Philippine Sea, but the whole country.”

“Filipinos recognize that a firm and united approach—through diplomacy, military readiness, and strategic partnerships—is essential in safeguarding our territorial integrity. These numbers send a clear message: the nation stands resolute in defending what is rightfully ours,” Manhit said.

“The increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and East China Sea remind us that sovereignty  and territorial integrity directly impact the security, economy, and livelihood of our people,” he added.

Manhit also emphasized the importance of deepening the strategic collaboration among Japan,  Philippines, and the United States.

“The Philippines must continue working closely with Japan and the US to ensure that international law, particularly the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, is respected. The reaffirmation of our trilateral commitments could not come at a more critical time, as geopolitical risks continue to escalate, especially in the maritime domain,” Manhit said.

“Today’s geopolitical architecture calls for turning risks into strategic opportunities. By reinforcing our trilateral cooperation, we can chart a future where the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, and secure. Fortunately, the deep and strong diplomatic relations among our three countries are a testament to the democratic values that we like-minded partners share in the face of our common challenges,” he added.

As this developed, the Philippines and Canada have successfully concluded negotiations for the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), the Department of National Defense said Friday.

DND Undersecretary Angelito De Leon and Canada DND Assistant Deputy Minister Scott Millar led their respective delegations to the negotiations.

These were supplemented by virtual meetings and inter-agency consultations to ensure that the agreement aligns with both nations’ mutual interests and priorities.

Last year, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through the conclusion of the SOVFA.

The agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities. — Rex Espiritu