AFP stands with Gibo vs China sanctions

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared that it stands with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., following Beijing’s imposition of sanctions against him and his family, including barring them from entering China and other territories it controls.

China’s decision to bar the DND chief and his family from entering Chinese territories, the AFP said, is meant to undermine the country’s sustained efforts to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement yesterday, the military said China’s actions against Teodoro and his family reflect “an attempt to undermine the legitimate exercise of our nation’s sovereign rights and the principled defense of Philippine national interests.”

“Secretary Teodoro has consistently advocated for the protection of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, particularly in the West Philippine Sea and within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the AFP statement read.

“He has likewise been at the forefront of efforts to expose and address illegal activities, espionage-related threats, and other actions that undermine Philippine security and national interests,” it added.

The AFP said Teodoro’s “steadfast commitment reflects the position of the Republic of the Philippines in safeguarding its national security, territorial integrity, and maritime interests.”

“The AFP remains resolute in carrying out its constitutional mandate, and rejects any attempt to intimidate or pressure those who stand in defense of the nation. No external action or coercive measure will diminish our resolve to protect the Filipino people, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard our sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime domain,” it maintained.

Teodoro himself has shrugged off China’s decision to bar him from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. Aside from the travel ban, Beijing has also prohibited organizations and individuals in China from engaging in any transaction, cooperation or other activities with him, his wife and their child.

The DND chief said he will not be silenced, and pledged to continue speaking and acting against China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive (ICAD) activities in the WPS.

In a Facebook post, Teodoro said the sanctions imposed by China were issued because he has been speaking the truth.