MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippines cannot heed US President Donald Trump’s call on allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz because the country does not have the capability to escort oil tankers in maritime channel.
“We do not have the capability to escort oil tankers. To me, it’s moot and academic,” Teodoro told reporters on Tuesday.
He however said the Philippines is strongly participating in efforts to de-escalate tensions because the lives of Filipino seafarers and overseas Filipino workers are at stake.
