Philippine Defense Secretary States Forcible Action Against BRP Sierra Madre Would Be an Act of War

Reported options by China included towing the vessel, blocking resupply missions, sanctions on certain Philippine politicians, and cuts to fuel and fertilizer supplies.

MANILA — Philippine Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated on October 23, that any use of force against the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal would constitute an act of war against the Republic of the Philippines.

Philippine General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, receives the returning Navy personnel who have completed their deployment at the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal on July 29, 2024, at Naval Detachment Oyster Bay Pier, Palawan.

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Teodoro delivered the remarks during an online briefing with reporters. The statement responded to a report in the Manila-based Chinese-language newspaper Chinese Commercial News, also known as Philippine Shangbao, which described ten possible countermeasures under consideration by China.

Reported options included towing the vessel, blocking resupply missions, sanctions on certain Philippine politicians, and cuts to fuel and fertilizer supplies.

M/V Lapu-Lapu approaches BRP Sierra Madre during the rotation and resupply mission conducted by the AFP in collaboration with the PCG