Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines is refining its approach to enabling local fishing activities in Bajo de Masinloc, according to a Friday report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

Teodoro gave his statement after having distributed aid—in the form of 5,000 food packs, batteries, fishing gear, among other supplies—to fisherfolk in Masinloc, Zambales on Friday, July 10.

Ten years after the country won the Arbitral Award declaring the West Philippine Sea (WPS) its territory, Teodoro said the government is preparing a “security arrangement” to allow Filipinos to fish in the reef.

The Defense chief declined to provide further details to avoid preemptive activity from competitors, although he did clarify that it is far from the joint fishing expeditions proposed by China.

He further stressed that Manila should have control over the natural resources the traditional fishing ground supplies rather than Beijing, as the contested waters are within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“‘Di ako puwede mag-share ng detalye, pero ano pang trabaho pa natin kung hindi i-secure ‘yung territorial integrity, and security ng ating republika?” he told reporters.

Teodoro also warned the so-called Chinese scholars who claim that the northern islands of Batanes are Taiwan’s—and thus, China’s—rightful territory.

He said the local health department should be consulted on the matter, claiming these scholars might not be right in the head.

“Kailangan siguro, pasagutin natin dito ay si (Department of Health) Secretary (Teodoro) Herbosa dahil mukhang matindi ‘yung tama nung mga gumawa no’n,” he said.

Jokes aside, the official stressed that such claims must be taken seriously, urging the administration to formally issue a rebuttal.