The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) backed Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro in his statement calling on pro-China public officials to resign.

In a report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa, AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) RAdm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said all public servants, upon assuming office, swore to uphold the Constitution and Philippine sovereignty.

“Standing firm behind our national interest—grounded in international law—is not a matter of political alignment, but an obligation to the Republic,” Trinidad asserted.

“As the primary defenders of our territory, our men and women of the AFP risk their lives daily at sea and in the air. We expect every Filipino—to include every gov't official elected or appointed—to support our national interests,” he added.

Earlier, Teodoro said that officials who do not agree with Administrative Order 29, which recognizes the WPS as Philippine territory, should consider stepping down from public office.

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte disputed Teodoro’s statement, arguing that a government official’s loyalty to the country cannot be judged by their stance on the WPS. He accused the Defense chief of “demonizing” China and imposing a “loyalty test.”

In an interview on Monday, Teodoro responded that, as the Philippines is a democracy, Duterte is entitled to his own opinions. However, this opposition to A.O. No. 29 puts an official in an “awkward situation.”

“Ang sinabi ko, maliwanag: A.O. 29. Batas ‘yan. At sinabi ko, (ito’y magiging) dilemma ng mga kailangan tumupad nito, dahil you know, regulation ‘yan—force and effect of law. And it puts a person na public officer in an awkward situation kung salungat ‘yung gawa—hindi ‘yung paniwala ah—’yung gawa tungkol dito,” he said.