US pledges support if PH public vessel attacked in South China Sea
Metro Manila, Philippines— The United States Department of Defense has reiterated its unwavering commitment to support the Philippines in a broader description of a bilateral military treaty’s coverage at sea.
The Pentagon’s remarks came after the interview of Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. in CBS’s “60 Minutes” where he said that he expects the US to intervene if China attempts to take down the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II vintage naval ship-turned-outpost in Ayungin Shoal.
“The Mutual Defense Treaty remains the cornerstone of our alliance. Let me be clear: the treaty applies to armed attacks on either of our armed forces, aircraft, or public vessels anywhere in the South China Sea,” said Pentagon spokesperson John Supple, referencing a statement made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in July.
Teodoro said any move to dismantle the aging tank landing ship ran aground on Ayungin would be viewed as an “act of war.” He was direct in highlighting the consequences of such an action in the region’s most contentious maritime area.
“If China were to take the BRP Sierra Madre, that would be a clear act of war against a Philippine vessel,” Teodoro said, noting that the country would respond accordingly.
Asked if the US would step in, Teodoro confidently stated, “Naturally, we would expect it.”
Teodoro said the significance of the ‘Sierra Madre’ extends beyond the rusty World War II-era vessel.
“There are people stationed on that ship. It serves as an outpost of Philippine sovereignty. This isn’t just about an old warship; it’s about protecting Philippine territory,” he said.
The ‘Sierra Madre’ has long been a flashpoint in the territorial dispute between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
In a separate briefing, the US State Department addressed China's repeated attempts to disrupt the freedom of navigation in Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal), which falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
“There’s no legal basis for China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea. The aggressive actions it uses to enforce those claims put Filipino lives and livelihoods at risk. The Philippines has the right to navigate in these waters under international law, and we stand by our Philippine allies,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
PH vows to maintain presence in Escoda Shoal
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining its presence in Escoda or Sabina Shoal, despite the temporary withdrawal of the BRP Teresa Magbanua over the weekend.
PCG West Philippine Sea spokesperson Jay Tarriela clarified that the withdrawal was due to bad weather, dwindling supplies, and concerns over the health of the crew, who had been conducting extended patrols for five months.
“It’s a misconception that we surrendered or cannot return,” said Tarriela, addressing concerns raised by netizens.
He added, “We have not given up or abandoned the area. We can always return in various ways.”
Tarriela confirmed that another ship would soon be deployed to the contested waters, though he did not provide specific details.
