MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said all threats against the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57), which is standing watch over Ayungin Shoal, West Philippine Sea, is taken very seriously.
“Any threat against BRP Sierra Madre will be taken very seriously because it will be an act against a military vessel of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said in an online briefing.
This, after a report from a Manila-based Chinese media outlet claims that China is reportedly considering sanctions against the Philippines that include towing of the Filipino naval vessel, blocking of resupply missions and imposition of trade sanctions against the Philippines.
BRP Sierra Madre was grounded in 1999 at Ayungin Shoal to serve as a military outpost and is still considered a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy.
When asked if the rules of engagement will be updated following this report, the DND chief declined to comment on the matter for operational reasons.
“Pero eto lang ang sinasabi ko, ‘yung Sierra Madre BRP (ay ibig sabihi) Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas. At ‘pag iyan ay tinangka or may mangyari diyan at sa kadahilanan ng ginamitan ng puwersa, iyan ay (But this is what I’m saying, the BRP on Sierra Madre BRP means Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas {Ship of the Republic of the Philippines]. If it’s threatened or something happens to it through force then that is) an act of war against the Republic of the Philippines,” Teodoro said.
He clarified that the term “act of war” is different from “state of war” since the former refers to offensive actions against something, in this case, a commissioned Philippine naval vessel.
“Only the President and the Congress of the Philippines (can) declare the existence of a state of war,” Teodoro stressed, adding that even as a Defense chief, he has no authority to declare such action.
When asked if the country’s Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) can be activated by such actions, the DND chief said the “possibility is open.”
“But whether or not that will engender an MDT is (a) presidential decision,” he said.
He also dismissed Chinese claims that the Oct. 21 rotation and resupply mission for BRP Sierra Madre’s contingent was monitored and checked by China maritime forces.
“Wala tayong obligasyon na magsabi kung anong laman or anong kargada or whatever doon sa isang barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (We are under no obligation to tell anyone what’s inside or whatever is in a Republic of the Philippines ship),” he added. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
