AFP joins MANAMo, reinforces Philippine maritime interests

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City— The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined the first sessions of the Inaugural Balangay Forum: Safeguarding Philippine Maritime Interests, held today, here as a culminating activity for this year’s Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo). The AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr., participated in a panel discussion on the topic of protecting the Philippines’ maritime domain.

The forum's central objective is to advocate for effective and sustainable maritime governance, aiming to maximize the country's rich marine environment and biodiversity while ensuring the security of its waters and people. 

During the discussion, General Brawner emphasized that the AFP would remain a key player in protecting the nation’s sovereignty and upholding the rule of law in its territorial waters. He also stressed the importance of public awareness and strong defense partnership to develop and implement effective policies that safeguard the Philippines' maritime domain.

“The AFP embarked on an extensive information operation MULAT, with the aim of raising awareness among Filipinos about what is happening at the West Philippine Sea. Aside from this, the AFP through multilateral maritime cooperative activities, enhances its capabilities in safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain,” said General Brawner.