THE National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea, a peaceful and transglobal organization that has been advocating for the preservation of the Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity since 2015, strongly condemns the recent statements issued by the Chinese Embassy that directly undermine Philippine sovereignty, disrespect our democratic institutions, and intimidate Filipino officials who are merely exercising their constitutional duty to defend the nation.
Such statements are not acts of diplomacy — they are acts of coercion. They attempt to silence legitimate voices, distort international law, and normalize interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign democratic state.
We reject these narratives outrightly.
Let it be clear: the West Philippine Sea is not a matter of rhetoric or propaganda. It is a matter of law, history, livelihood, and national dignity. The July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and binding, and no amount of diplomatic pressure or disinformation can erase that truth and fact.
In response to the growing external pressure and internal vulnerabilities exposed by these actions, the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea is launching “Oplan BAKOD sa West Philippine Sea” also referred to as “Oplan Building Alliances to Keep Our Democracy in the West Philippine Sea.”
This initiative aims to:
• Strengthen alliances with youth groups, civil society, fisherfolk communities, academics, and international partners who stand for rule of law and democratic values;
• Build a united civic front against disinformation, intimidation, and historical revisionism related to the West Philippine Sea; and
• Defend Philippine democracy, recognizing that attacks on our maritime rights are inseparable from attacks on our sovereign decision-making as a nation.
Oplan BAKOD is not about provocation. It is about protection—of our territory, our people, and our democratic space. It is a declaration that Filipino youth will not be passive observers while our future is negotiated away through pressure and silence.
We call on the Philippine government to remain firm, transparent, and resolute.
We call on the international community to stand by international law, not selective power.
And we call on fellow Filipinos — especially the youth — to take part in safeguarding what is rightfully ours.
The West Philippine Sea is not just a body of water.
It is our livelihood.
It is our heritage.
It is our future.
And we will defend it — together.
Ang National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea ay
Para sa bayan (for our motherland) at Sambayanang Pilipino (Filipino people)!
Para sa katotohanan. (For the truth)
Para sa susunod na henerasyon. (For the future generation).
Sincerely,
DR. CELIA LAMKIN
Founder and Global Chairperson
National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea
