The chief of the Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday “strongly condemned" what he described as “dangerous and inhumane” actions by Chinese maritime forces against Filipino fishermen near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. 

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. denounced China’s use of water cannons, aggressive maneuvering, and even cutting anchor lines, resulting in injuries to Filipino civilians and damaging Filipino boats, saying such actions “wholly inconsistent with the duty of all States to ensure the safety of human lives.”

He stressed that such actions violate international law and are inconsistent with the duty of all states to protect human life at sea.

“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 Chinese sovereignty over Escoda Shoal,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro 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 DND chief criticized China’s recent attempts to justify its actions, including allegations that 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 are not supported by facts and evidence,” he added.

Teodoro also rejected China’s assertion that other nations have “no right” to comment, emphasizing the international community’s interest in upholding maritime law, freedom of navigation, and civilian safety in vital waterways.

“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 further stressed.

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