Manila, Sept. 9 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) ability to defend the country's territory and sovereignty will not be affected by the recent transfer of major US naval assets from the Pacific to the Middle East.

This was conveyed by retired Navy reservist Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, underscoring the AFP's mandate to defend the country's territory and sovereignty.

"First and foremost, it is the primary responsibility of the Armed Forces to ensure the security and protection of our territory, our sovereignty, and sovereign rights," he told reporters Tuesday.

Earlier this year, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and its battle group were sent to the Middle East to ...