MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday warned that any attempt by China to forcibly tow away the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea would constitute an act of war against the Philippines.
“We are constantly being threatened, subtly, and now more overtly,” Teodoro said, citing growing pressure on the Philippines amid escalating tensions with Beijing.
He stressed that any attempt to forcibly remove the Philippine Navy vessel would be a serious threat to the country's military and national security.
Teodoro clarified that declaring a state of war is a separate constitutional matter involving the president and Congress.
His warning followed reports that China was considering 10 possible countermeasures against the Philippines, including towing away the Sierra Madre, blocking Philippine resupply missions and imposing economic sanctions.
The reported measures also included possible restrictions on oil and fertilizer supplies, raising concerns that the maritime dispute could spill over into trade, energy security and agriculture.
The proposals have not been officially confirmed by the Chinese government.
The Sierra Madre, a World War II-era landing ship deliberately grounded by the Philippines at Ayungin Shoal in 1999, serves as a military outpost where Filipino personnel maintain the country's presence in the disputed waters.
Also known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, Ayungin lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the Spratly Islands. China claims the area and has repeatedly challenged Philippine resupply missions.
