World
Chinese Carrier Group Sails Past Western Mindanao, Philippine Military Reports
The Western Mindanao Command reported that a Chinese Navy carrier group, the Liaoning, passed through waters off Zamboanga and Sarangani last week. Philippine Navy ships and aircraft shadowed the fleet as it headed toward the Celebes Sea.
Teodoro Says Towing the Sierra Madre Would Be an “Act of War”
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro warned that any forcible attempt by China to tow the grounded BRP Sierra Madre would be an act of war. The remarks follow a report of possible Chinese countermeasures, including a supply cutoff and economic sanctions.
Philippine Coast Guard Chases Off Foreign Fishing Boat Near Lawak Island
The Philippine Coast Guard says it drove a foreign fishing vessel out of Lawak Island's territorial waters, marking its sixth such action in the Kalayaan Island Group. The agency also cited a series of similar incidents near Lawak and Kota islands in recent weeks.
Teodoro Warns Forced Towing of BRP Sierra Madre Would Be an Act of War
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned that any Chinese attempt to forcibly tow the grounded BRP Sierra Madre would be an act of war. He also said a Mutual Defense Treaty response remains a possibility, though the decision would rest with President Marcos.