Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned that any attempt to tow the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal would be considered an “act of war” against the Philippines.

Teodoro made the statement following reports from a Manila-based Chinese media outlet that Beijing was considering sanctions against the Philippines, including the possible removal of the military vessel from the disputed shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

“I have not read about it, but any threats against BRP Sierra Madre will be taken very seriously,” Teodoro said.

“Because it will be an act against a military vessel of the Republic of the Philippines. It’s not a state of war, but an act of war. Because it’s an offensive act against a Philippine warship,” he added.

Teodoro also disputed reports from another Chinese state media outlet claiming that the Philippines had informed the China Coast Guard about the supplies delivered during its latest resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.

The defense chief stressed that the Philippines is not required to seek permission from or notify the China Coast Guard whenever it conducts a rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy ship deliberately grounded at Ayungin Shoal in 1999, serves as a military outpost for Filipino troops stationed in the contested waters, where tensions between Manila and China have persisted.