By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday firmly rejected accusations by the Chinese Embassy that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is exploiting West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues for political gain, saying the military’s position is grounded in international law and the Philippines’ sovereign rights.
Retired Navy reservist Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the WPS, said the military stands solidly behind Teodoro and “categorically rejects the recent inflammatory statements” made by Chinese diplomats against the defense chief.
Trinidad said the AFP’s position in the WPS is anchored on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award.
He said the Philippines’ defensive posture was not the source of tensions in the region, pointing instead to what he described as China’s continued presence and coercive and aggressive conduct in the area.
“The source of tension in the region is not the law-abiding defensive posture of the Philippines, but the continued illegal presence, coercive and aggressive conduct and the deceptive messaging of the Chinese Communist Party,” Trinidad said.
The AFP spokesperson said the military would not be deterred by external pressure or efforts to undermine the leadership of the Department of National Defense.
“We remain steadfast in our sworn duty to protect our sovereign rights, preserve national security, and uphold the rule of law across our territory and maritime domains,” he said.
The AFP statement came after the Chinese Embassy criticized Teodoro over remarks he made during a forum on September 26, where the defense chief discussed several issues involving China and the Philippines.
Among the matters raised by Teodoro was the alleged Chinese harassment that disrupted a routine Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on September 24, as well as the case of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and the proliferation of substandard steel manufacturing allegedly backed by Chinese investors.
The Chinese Embassy described Teodoro as “extremely anti-China” and accused him of “smearing” China in an alleged effort to gain political capital and serve his personal interests.
Trinidad also clarified the role of AFP personnel during the May 15 law-enforcement operation at the Sanjia Steel Plant inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
He said military personnel were limited to providing security and logistical support to the civilian law-enforcement agencies that led the operation.
According to Trinidad, the operation was carried out under valid warrants involving environmental hazards, public safety risks and labor violations and was not directed at any particular nationality.
“The enforcement of Philippine laws within Philippine jurisdiction is an absolute exercise of sovereign authority and is non-negotiable,” Trinidad said.
He added that attempts to personalize or mischaracterize legitimate law-enforcement operations within Philippine territory constitute what he called “narrative distortion or foreign malign influence.”
Trinidad said foreign diplomatic missions should respect Philippine judicial processes, particularly when Philippine authorities are enforcing laws within the country’s sovereign jurisdiction.
ia/xf
