By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is in “absolute solidarity” with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. after Beijing announced that it would bar him and his immediate family from entering China and transacting or doing business with Chinese entities.
Speaking at the Saturday News Forum, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Navy Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad defended Teodoro, saying his previous remarks merely asserted the Philippines’ rights and interests.
He said the AFP is “solidly behind him,” adding that Teodoro’s actions are aligned with the mandate to ensure the integrity of Philippine territory and sovereignty.
“The AFP stands with absolute solidarity behind our Secretary of National Defense. Ang ginagawa niya is simply to expose the truth. ‘Yung katotohanan ay masakit sa Partido Komunista ng Tsina,” he said.
He likewise pointed out that Teodoro’s remarks at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore and other international fora were not “irresponsible,” but are clear and accurate representations of international law, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the sovereign rights of the Filipino people.
“These sanctions are a transparent attempt at political intimidation, meant to silence those who expose coercive and illegal actions in our exclusive economic zone,” he said.
Trinidad added that no amount of foreign pressure, legal maneuvering, or personal targeting of the country’s leadership will deter the military from performing their constitutional duty.
“We will continue our routine maritime and aerial patrols, protect our fishermen, and defend our sovereignty and every inch of Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
The AFP, in a separate statement, praised Teodoro for exposing illegal activities, espionage-related threats, and other actions that undermine Philippine security and national interests.
It reiterated that Teodoro’s commitment and consistent stand on the WPS reflects the position of the Philippine government “in safeguarding its national security, territorial integrity, and maritime interests.”
“The AFP views the sanctions not merely as actions directed against a Philippine government official and his family, but as an attempt to undermine the legitimate exercise of our nation’s sovereign rights and the principled defense of Philippine national interests,” it said.
The entire AFP said it is undeterred by any “external action or coercive measure” and is resolute in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime domain. (With a report from Priam F. Nepomuceno / PNA)
