Quezon city: The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday joined the country in commencing the observance of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award, slated on July 12, by taking part in a nationwide flag-raising ceremony.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DND recognized the collaborative and patriotic efforts of Filipinos, from fisherfolk to public servants, in upholding and defending the sovereign rights of the country in the West Philippines Sea (WPS) through the rule of law.

Attended by officials and employees of the DND and its bureaus, the kick-off activity, which took place in Camp Aguinaldo, affirmed the agency's commitment in honoring the legal triumph of the country in upholding its maritime rights in the WPS.

The Philippine Army also participated in observing the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award with a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City and various camps nationwide.

"The ceremony affirms the Army's steadfast dedication to securing the country's land domain through the effective implementation of the Land Defense Concept in support of the AFP's Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations," it said.

The 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award is a legal and binding decision under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), underscoring that China's expansive 'Nine-Dash Line' has no legal basis under international law.

Issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on July 12, 2016, the Arbitral Award upheld the Philippines' sovereign rights over the disputed marine areas under UNCLOS, invalidating the expansive "Nine-Dash Line" of the People's Republic of China over much of the South China Sea, which includes the WPS.