Teodoro warns China: Towing away BRP Sierra Madre would be ‘act of war’

The BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal,  part of the disputed Spratly Islands. ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said any attempt by China to tow away the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal would be considered an act of war.

“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,” Teodoro told reporters in a virtual interview.

This follows a report by a Manila-based Chinese media outlet that Beijing is considering the move as part of possible countermeasures against the Philippines.