National Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday “strongly condemned” the “dangerous and inhumane” actions by Chinese maritime forces against Filipino fishermen near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Teodoro denounced China’s use of water cannons, aggressive maneuvers, and cutting of anchor lines which resulted in injuries to the fishermen and damage to their boats.

He stressed that such actions violated international law and were “wholly inconsistent with the duty of all states to ensure the safety of human lives.”

“China’s claims of indisputable sovereignty over the feature are illegal and unfounded as neither an international tribunal nor an international law-abiding state has ever recognized China’s sovereignty over Escoda Shoal,” Teodoro said.

He likewise cited the 2016 Arbitral Award which affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as “final and binding.”

Blatant lies

The secretary criticized China’s recent attempts to justify its actions, including allegations that the Filipino fishermen were armed with knives, calling such claims “blatant lies” unsupported by evidence.

“Claims and actions that disregard these legal principles undermine the rules-based international order and erode regional peace and stability,” he said.

“States aspiring for regional leadership should act responsibly. The attempt by the spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to justify these actions by invoking ‘indisputable sovereignty’ and peddling blatant lies like ‘knife-wielding’ fishermen is not supported by facts and the evidence,” Teodoro added.

Teodoro also rejected China’s assertion that other nations had “no right” to comment.

“The international community has a legitimate interest in upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and the safety of civilians at sea, particularly when coercive acts threaten stability in a vital international waterway,” he said.

“Unlike China, we in the Philippines don’t silence dissent with violence and intimidation,” he stressed.

Teodoro reaffirmed that, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, the Philippines will continue to protect its citizens, support the lawful livelihood of its fishermen, and pursue diplomatic and legal measures consistent with its sovereignty and jurisdiction.