Manila, Aug. 25 -- The result of a recent survey showing majority of Filipinos distrust China is evidence that the public is well aware of issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said Monday.

In a statement, PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the results of the survey, conducted by OCTA Research from July 12 to 17, also show that Filipinos "support the stand of government to defend our maritime rights."

"This further strengthens the resolve of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to protect and secure what is rightfully ours," Trinidad said.

"It adds more legitimacy to our stand -and fight- when you know you have the backing of the vast majority of our people...