Over 10,000 runners join Zambales leg of West PH Sea, Coastal Communities Run

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Over 10,000 rally in Zambales to defend West Philippine Sea, as Philippines steps up grassroots push for maritime sovereignty

The event, the second leg of the "Trilogy Run for the West Philippine Sea", marked a deliberate shift from symbolic protest to direct engagement with coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on the disputed waters. Organizers framed the run as both a call to action and a platform to address immediate challenges facing fishermen and local governments, including infrastructure gaps and economic hardship.

Cabinet Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr., a key advocate for the initiative, emphasized that the campaign transcended territorial claims, framing the WPS as a matter of national dignity and economic survival. "This is not just about a map or territory. It is about the future of our fellow Filipinos, our dignity as Filipinos, and the future of the next generation," he said in an interview.

Abalos, who joined the run, also highlighted efforts to tackle systemic issues affecting coastal communities, noting that organizers were examining problems beyond the event itself. "What we are doing is not just running; we are also looking into the problems affecting coastal communities," he added.

San Antonio Mayor Arvin Rolly Antipolo echoed the urgency of the cause, stressing the need for unified action across government levels—from the national cabinet to barangay officials—and the private sector. "This is about our future, this is about our economy, this is about our country," he said.

"We must all be aware of the importance of the West Philippine Sea because it belongs to us." The mayor’s remarks underscored the event’s dual focus: raising awareness while mobilizing resources for local needs. During the run, officials distributed six boats to beneficiaries—three funded by Abalos and three by the San Antonio local government—to support fishing communities.

Food packs were also handed out to residents, while a damaged stretch of coastal road was inspected, signaling broader efforts to address infrastructure deficits.

The run follows the first leg of the Trilogy series, held on August 30 at Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, and sets the stage for a third installment. The campaign’s expansion into Zambales reflects a strategic push to engage provinces directly exposed to the WPS dispute, where Chinese vessels have frequently been documented in recent years.

While the Philippines has reinforced its military presence in the region, including through the deployment of additional troops and coast guard assets, the grassroots initiative signals a parallel effort to solidify domestic support ahead of potential escalations.

For Malaysia and regional observers, the event underscores the Philippines’ evolving tactics in its maritime standoff with China, blending diplomatic pressure with public mobilization. The distribution of boats and food aid suggests a calculated effort to frame the WPS as an economic imperative, not just a geopolitical one—a narrative that could resonate with Southeast Asian neighbors grappling with similar sovereignty challenges.

The next phase of the Trilogy Run will determine whether the campaign can sustain momentum beyond symbolic gestures, particularly as China continues to assert control over disputed waters in the South China Sea.