MANILA — The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS) has announced the launch of “Oplan BAKOD” or “Oplan Building Alliances to Keep Our Democracy in the West Philippine Sea”, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening alliances and defending Philippine sovereignty amid growing external pressure.

In a statement, the group strongly condemned recent pronouncements from the Chinese Embassy, saying these “directly undermine Philippine sovereignty, disrespect our democratic institutions, and intimidate Filipino officials who are merely exercising their constitutional duty to defend the nation.”

The group stressed that such remarks “are not acts of diplomacy—they are acts of coercion. They attempt to silence legitimate voices, distort international law, and normalize interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign democratic state.”

NYMWPS declared, “We reject these narratives outrightly.”

The organization stressed that the West Philippine Sea dispute is grounded in legal and historical context rather than propaganda.

“Let it be clear: the West Philippine Sea is not a matter of rhetoric or propaganda. It is a matter of law, history, livelihood, and national dignity. The July 12, 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and binding, and no amount of diplomatic pressure or disinformation can erase that truth and fact.”

In response, NYMWPS unveiled “Oplan BAKOD sa West Philippine Sea,” which seeks to:

• Strengthen alliances with youth groups, civil society, fisherfolk communities, academics, and international partners who stand for rule of law and democratic values;
• Build a united civic front against disinformation, intimidation, and historical revisionism related to the West Philippine Sea;
• Defend Philippine democracy, recognizing that attacks on maritime rights are inseparable from attacks on sovereign decision-making.

“Oplan BAKOD is not about provocation. It is about protection—of our territory, our people, and our democratic space. It is a declaration that Filipino youth will not be passive observers while our future is negotiated away through pressure and silence,” the group said.

NYMWPS also issued a call to action: “We call on the Philippine government to remain firm, transparent, and resolute. We call on the international community to stand by international law, not selective power. And we call on fellow Filipinos—especially the youth—to take part in safeguarding what is rightfully ours.”

The group highlighted the strategic importance of the West Philippine Sea, describing it as a vital source of livelihood and a symbol of national heritage that must be safeguarded for future generations.

Founded in 2015, NYMWPS is a transglobal peace-oriented organization that advocates for the preservation of Philippine sovereignty and the protection of its territorial integrity

📷 NYMWPS