The Philippines does not have the capability to conduct escort operations for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. admitted on Tuesday, March 17.

“Wala tayong capability mag-escort,” Teodoro said in an ambush interview in Loaoc, Pangasinan, in a report by RH Edniel Parrosa.

Teodoro made the statement following a call by U.S. President Donald Trump for allied nations to deploy warships to protect vital oil shipments in the region.

He emphasized, however, that the Philippines will support all measures that help de-escalate the conflict.

“Lahat ng bagay na makakatulong na ma-deescalate ito ay susuportahan, kasi ang nalalagay sa panganib ang Filipino seafarers natin at ang mga OFWs natin… Lalo na ‘yung indiscriminate attacks dapat sana mapara agad,” he added.

Teodoro also noted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is on alert, preparing the country’s supply chain and oil reserves in anticipation of any potential disruption stemming from the Gulf crisis.