The Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) has expressed strong support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. following China’s decision to bar him and his family from entering the country, describing the move as a coercive and politically motivated act that undermines diplomatic norms.
In a statement released, AGFO said it “strongly condemns” China’s announcement, which was made by its foreign ministry last Thursday and cited Teodoro’s alleged “irresponsible remarks” as grounds for the entry ban.
China’s foreign ministry said Teodoro, his spouse, and child would be prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, and that Chinese entities were also barred from engaging in any transactions or cooperation with them. The measure, it said, was intended to protect China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests.
AGFO, however, rejected the action, calling it an “aggressive, unjustified, and unfriendly act” aimed at intimidating Philippine leadership and weakening the country’s resolve in defending its territorial integrity.
The group said the entry ban does not reflect legitimate diplomatic practice but rather an attempt to pressure Philippine officials amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
It also declared “absolute solidarity” with Teodoro, praising his consistent stance on maritime issues and national sovereignty.
“His firm stance and vocal defense of our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea are not irresponsible remarks,” AGFO said, stressing that his statements are aligned with the Philippines’ obligations under international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral ruling.
Teodoro, for his part, has said China is within its rights to impose the ban, adding that such actions reflect reactions toward those who challenge its narrative. He maintained that he would continue performing his duties despite the restrictions.
“China’s own countrymen and the others who are under its control suffer far worse,” Teodoro said, adding that he would “uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness they are committing here and even in our seas.”
AGFO said the sanctions imposed on Teodoro and his family appeared intended to isolate Philippine leadership and discourage firm positions on territorial issues. It warned, however, that such measures would have the opposite effect.
The group commended Teodoro’s leadership at the Department of National Defense and voiced support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly personnel involved in maritime patrols amid ongoing tensions in disputed waters.
“We fully support his leadership, the Department of National Defense, and our brave men and women in uniform who continue to patrol our waters and guard our maritime borders despite mounting external aggression,” AGFO said.
The statement comes amid continued friction between Manila and Beijing over activities in the West Philippine Sea, where both sides have maintained overlapping claims and increased maritime presence in recent months.