The inclusion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Google Maps validates the international recognition of the country’s sovereign rights over the area, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said. According to AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, the Philippine military remains resolute in doing its mandate to protect the country’s territory and uphold national integrity. “This affirms international recognition of the country’s sovereign rights, as upheld by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling under UNCLOS,” Padilla said in a statement on Tuesday.

Co, A. S. (2025, April 16). AFP: WPS on Google Maps validates PH sovereign rights. Panay News, pp. 9, 15.