Teodoro says forcible removal of BRP Sierra Madre would be an act of war against PH

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 23, 2026

Photo courtesy: AP News

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said China would be committing an act of war against the Philippines if it used force to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, October 23, Teodoro warned that any forcible action against the grounded warship would be treated as a serious threat to the country.

“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.

His remarks followed reports that China was considering several measures against the Philippines, including towing away the warship, blocking resupply missions and imposing economic sanctions.

The proposals appeared in the Chinese Commercial News, a Manila-based Chinese-language newspaper. However, Beijing has not confirmed whether it is considering or has approved any of the measures.

Could the incident trigger the PH-US defense treaty?

Teodoro clarified that an act of war would not automatically mean a formal declaration of war.

Under the 1987 Constitution, Congress has the authority to declare the existence of a state of war through a two-thirds vote of both chambers, voting separately.

He also said a Chinese attempt to board or forcibly remove the vessel could raise the possibility of invoking the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States.

However, the decision would ultimately rest with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Such an incident would not automatically trigger the treaty.

Signed in 1951, the MDT commits both countries to respond to armed attacks against either party in accordance with their respective constitutional processes.

The United States has repeatedly affirmed that its defense commitments cover attacks on Philippine military forces, aircraft and public vessels, including Coast Guard ships, anywhere in the South China Sea.

Philippines rejects China’s claims over resupply missions

The BRP Sierra Madre has served as a Philippine military outpost at Ayungin Shoal since 1999. China has repeatedly demanded its removal, while the Philippines continues to deliver supplies and rotate troops stationed aboard the vessel.

The latest disagreement arose after Chinese authorities claimed that a recent Philippine resupply mission had taken place under their supervision.

Teodoro rejected the claim, stressing that the Philippines does not need Beijing’s permission to supply its own military personnel.

He also said Filipino troops are not required to disclose the contents of their cargo to Chinese vessels.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines likewise denied seeking China’s approval before carrying out the mission.

Recent incidents raise tensions at Ayungin Shoal

The dispute follows several encounters between Philippine and Chinese vessels near the shoal.

In September, Philippine military commanders suspended a resupply mission after Chinese ships reportedly blocked their approach.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Coast Guard accused Chinese vessels of obstructing a medical evacuation from the BRP Sierra Madre, delaying assistance to an ailing Filipino sailor.

President Marcos criticized the reported interference, emphasizing that humanitarian assistance should be allowed even during armed conflict.

Teodoro raises concerns over possible economic sanctions

Aside from the maritime dispute, Teodoro expressed concern over reports that China could impose economic restrictions on the Philippines.

He warned that the country’s dependence on Chinese goods and services could leave it vulnerable to economic pressure.

To address this, he urged the government and private sector to strengthen domestic industries and diversify supply chains, particularly for critical infrastructure.

Ayungin Shoal lies approximately 194 kilometers off Palawan, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

In 2016, an international arbitral tribunal rejected the legal basis for China’s sweeping historic-rights claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling.

China has yet to confirm the reported countermeasures, including the possible removal of the BRP Sierra Madre.