THE 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB) conducted on Thursday, June 26, 2025, a comprehensive lecture to its troops on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the evolving landscape of the Philippine Army' External Security Operations.
The activity, held at the 53IB's headquarters in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, is in support to the Philippine Army's thrust to reinforce external defense readiness and national security awareness.
The 53IB said the lecture provided the troops with an in-depth understanding of the WPS issue, covering its historical background, geopolitical significance, and the legal foundation of the Philippines' sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (Unclos).
The 53IB said the initiative is part of the battalion's efforts to align with the Armed Forces of the Philippines' strategic shift from internal security operations to external defense operations, particularly as the country faces increasingly complex regional security dynamics.
It also served as a platform to promote patriotism, operational awareness, and readiness among the troops.
"The troops must be fully aware of the external security landscape, especially in the context of rising tensions and maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea," the 53IB said.
WPS is the designation by the Philippine government to the parts of the South China Sea that are included in the country's exclusive economic zone. (SunStar Zamboanga)