Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. cautioned China against removing the BRP Sierra Madre —the country’s rusty warship deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal—saying the Philippines would consider it a “clear act of war” that will trigger a strong response from Manila, with potential support from the United States.
“If China were to take the Sierra Madre, that is a clear act of war on the Philippine vessel. We will react naturally,” Teodoro told CBS’ “60 Minutes.”
“That (BRP Sierra Madre) is an outpost of Philippine sovereignty so we’re not only talking about a rusty old vessel solely. We are talking about a piece of Philippine territory there,” Teodoro said.
The defense chief, however, was mum on supposed plans to acquire missiles capable of reaching China amid Beijing’s concerns over the move.
“It is not their (China’s) business. It is for the Philippine defense. What happens in our territory is for our defense. We follow international law,” Teodoro said.
“I really don’t know the end state. All I know is that we cannot let them get away with what they’re doing,” he added.
Tensions have flared between Manila and Beijing in the West Philippine Sea, including a violent encounter between the Philippine Navy and Chinese Coast Guard in Ayungin Shoal in June that resulted in a Filipino sailor losing a thumb.
Ayungin Shoal lies about 200 kilometers from Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan island.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad assured the public the military has contingency plans if China attempts to seize BRP Sierra Madre.
“We do not rate possible options of any potential adversary. Nevertheless, we have the appropriate plans, contingency plans, in place,” Trinidad told reporters.
As this developed, a maritime law expert said the government must intensify regular patrols around Escoda Shoal while navigating ongoing tensions in the area.
In an interview, Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, said Manila should firmly assert its rights.
“You should continue to be very blunt about it. Because that’s the only way you will be able to show that you’re standing your ground and you’re not going to bow down, (that you are not going) to simply fall due to their power,” he said.
“Actually, that’s what really annoys them. That’s what really gets to them and they cannot understand why we’re standing up to them. They have no idea (what to make of it),” he added.
UP Diliman Senior Lecturer Dr. Chester Cabalza, for his part, said acquiring high-powered missiles systems like mid-range capability (MRC) and multi-role fighter jets can help the country’s defense posture amid local and international security threats.
“Increased acquisition of the MRC by the AFP-DND is part of the third leg of the military modernization. It is intended to mount a credible defense posture amid China’s national security threats and to stabilize or totally eradicate insurgency in the country,” Cabalza told Manila Standard.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “China taking BRP Sierra Madre an “act of war” says defense chief”
