Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. challenged China to bring its allegations before an international legal body, following claims that the Philippines dumped garbage at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
“Maniwala ka naman diyan sa mga ‘yan. Accuse nang accuse ‘yang mga ‘yan. Kung may accusation sila, pruwebahan nila. Bakit lahat ng accusation nila ayaw nilang pruwebahan noong tayo ang nagdemanda sa arbitral tribunal?” he told reporters in an ambush interview.
“Magagaling lang ‘yan sa ganyan. Kapag oras na kailangan pruwebahan na nila sa isang patas na proceeding sa ilalim ng international law, ayaw nila,” he added.
The defense chief was referring to a video released by Chinese state media alleging that a Philippine vessel burned and disposed of waste in the contested Ayungin Shoal. Teodoro expressed skepticism over the footage, casting doubt on its credibility.
He also pushed back against China’s criticism of the Philippines’ participation in joint military drills, including the Balikatan Exercises.
Teodoro dismissed remarks from Chinese officials that such activities were “playing with fire.”
“Sila ang mahilig maglaro ng apoy,” he said, responding to statements from Guo Jiakun, who earlier warned that countries strengthening security ties risk consequences.
Guo made the remarks during a press briefing in Beijing on April 20, cautioning that closer military cooperation among allied nations could “backfire.”
Tensions between Manila and Beijing have persisted amid competing claims and heightened activity in the West Philippine Sea.
