The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expressed full support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. following sanctions imposed by China, calling the measures “unilateral and ungrounded” and a form of political intimidation.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad emphasized that Teodoro’s statements at the Shangri-La Dialogue and other international forums were “clear, accurate representations of international law, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the sovereign rights of the Filipino people,” not “irresponsible remarks” as claimed by China.
“These sanctions are meant to silence those exposing coercive and illegal actions in our exclusive economic zone,” Trinidad said. He added that foreign pressure or attempts to target Philippine leadership will not deter the military from carrying out its constitutional duties.
The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to routine maritime and aerial patrols, protection of Filipino fishermen, and defense of Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. “We will continue to defend every inch of our sovereign rights,” Trinidad said.