Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday hit back at critics of the suspension of military-to-military talks with China, accusing them of “gaslighting” the public and undermining the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND).
Teodoro stressed that the country’s military and defense establishment were not seeking war but were standing up for the Philippines’ sovereignty amid tensions with Beijing.
“Kung hindi gyera, pinag-usapan natin, walang pride ng isang tao na naninindigan ang AFP at saka ang DND para sa soberanya niya sa abot ng ating makakaya, anong klase tayong makabayan?" Teodoro said.
He described statements against the military and defense leadership as insulting to Filipino troops, calling on the public to recognize the importance of defending the country’s national interests.
“Yung mga nangga-gaslight, I mean, kailangan alagaan na rin ng mga tao ang bayan natin. Yung mga gaslighting na 'yan, he's our worst enemy. At minsan ang Pilipino ay our worst enemy sometimes,” he added.
Teodoro’s remarks came amid criticism over the suspension of military-to-military engagements with China, a move that has drawn questions about its implications for bilateral relations and regional security.
The defense chief maintained that the AFP and the DND were exercising their responsibility to protect Philippine sovereignty, rejecting suggestions that their position was driven by a desire for conflict.
