Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday called on Filipinos to set aside political differences and stand united on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying the issue transcends politics and requires the collective resolve of the Filipino people.

Speaking during the 10th anniversary commemoration of the Philippines’ landmark arbitral victory in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Remulla emphasized that while the National Government remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful engagement, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights requires national unity and a shared commitment to the country’s interests.

“Ang karagatan natin ay atin. Ang mga dagat natin ay para sa Pilipino at para sa Pilipinas,” Remulla said.

The DILG Chief stressed that supporting the country’s position on the West Philippine Sea is not about advocating conflict, but about demonstrating national unity and an unwavering commitment to the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights.

“Wala namang gusto ng digmaan. Wala namang gusto ng karahasan. Hayaan nating ang National Government ang mag-negotiate at makipag-usap. Ngunit ngayon, dapat nating ipakita na tayo ay Pilipino. Hindi tayo natatakot sa kahit sinuman at kayang ipaglaban ang atin,” he added.

Remulla underscored that issues concerning Philippine sovereignty transcend political affiliations and should serve as a unifying cause for all Filipinos.

“Magkahiwalay man tayo sa pulitika, hindi tayo pwedeng magkahiwalay sa isyu na ito,” he said.

He urged national government agencies, local government units, and citizens to stand together in supporting lawful, peaceful, and rules-based efforts to uphold the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

“Tayo ay Pilipino. Ang West Philippine Sea ay para sa Pilipino. Pinaglalaban natin ang Pilipinas. Magkaisa tayong lahat. Ipaglaban natin ang atin,” Remulla said.

The commemoration highlighted the enduring significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award and reaffirmed the Philippines’ continuing commitment to asserting its rights under international law.

As part of the program, officials and participants expressed their support for the collective effort to safeguard the West Philippine Sea through a Pledge of Commitment led by DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan and the signing of a Commitment Wall.

Also present during the activity were DILG Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Lilian M. De Leon, National Security Council Assistant Director General Francis Jude Lauengco, Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, local chief executives, government officials, and representatives from various sectors.

The gathering forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to promote public awareness, strengthen national unity, and reinforce support for the peaceful and rules-based assertion of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.