The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed full support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. after China barred him from entering the country and transacting with Chinese entities, including his family. AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, stated that Teodoro's remarks were simply a defense of the Philippines' rights and interests, clearly based on international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award. Trinidad emphasized that the sanctions are an attempt to intimidate and silence those who expose what he called China's illegal and coercive actions in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
AFP Condemns China's Move
In a separate statement, the AFP said that China's move is not only against Teodoro but also an attempt to weaken the Philippines' legitimate exercise of its sovereign rights. The military assured that it will continue its maritime and aerial patrols, protection of Filipino fishermen, and defense of the country's sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
