The Department of National Defense (DND) praised President Duterte yesterday for his efforts in solving the country's row with China over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) through diplomatic means. DND Spokesman Arsenio Andolong made the remark after Duterte assured during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday that the Philippines is not giving up its rights on the disputed West Philippine Sea despite the country's renewed and improved friendship with China. “The West Philippine Sea issue represents just a portion of the sum total of our relations with China, thus, the DND supports the President's efforts to manage it through diplomatic means,” Andolong said in a text message.

Wakefield, F. (2018, July 25). DND lauds PRRD stand not to yield WPS islands. Manila Bulletin, p. 2.