AFP Welcomes Strong Public Support for Joint Military Exercises in the West Philippine Sea
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the results of the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) nationwide survey conducted by OCTA Research from March 19 to 25, 2026, which showed that 71 percent of adult Filipinos support joint military exercises in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with allied and partner nations.
The survey showed consistently strong public support across major regions, including the National Capital Region (74%), Mindanao (73%), and both the Visayas (70%) and Luzon (70%). It also highlighted broad approval at the regional level, with particularly high support recorded in the island provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan (100%), South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City (90%), and Western Visayas (87%).
The results reflect nationwide backing for cooperative defense activities such as the annual Balikatan exercises and regular joint patrols in the WPS, which contribute to improved maritime security. The AFP emphasized that this strong public confidence reinforces ongoing efforts to enhance interoperability, strengthen defense partnerships, and promote a secure and stable maritime environment in the West Philippine Sea.
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