MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. warned that any move by Beijing to remove the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal would cross a critical line.
Teodoro issued the strong statement in response to reports from a Manila-based Chinese media outlet suggesting that Beijing might impose sanctions, including the potential forced removal of the Philippine military vessel in the West Philippine Sea.
Addressing reporters, the defense chief emphasized the gravity of such a threat against a commissioned ship.
“I have not read about it, but any threats against BRP Sierra Madre will be taken very seriously,” Teodoro said.
“Because it will be an act against a military vessel of the Republic of the Philippines. It’s not a state of war, but an act of war. Because it’s an offensive act against a Philippine warship,” he added.
Furthermore, Teodoro rejected claims made by another Chinese state media outlet asserting that Manila had notified the China Coast Guard prior to its recent rotation and resupply (RoRe) operation at the shoal.
He firmly maintained that the Philippines operates within its sovereign rights and is under no obligation to seek permission or alert foreign coast guard forces during resupply missions.
Originally a commissioned Philippine Navy vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately grounded at Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to serve as a permanent military outpost, remaining a focal point of maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing.