Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765857860527Screen Shot 2025-12-16 at 12.00.53 PM_cropped_processed_by_imagy.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>📷༘ PCG/Facebook</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) has strongly denounced the dangerous and inhumane actions by Chinese maritime forces against Filipino fishermen near Escoda or Sabina Shoal, rejecting Beijing’s sovereignty claims over the area as illegal and unfounded.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2024/12/12/china-carrying-out-maritime-occupation-in-west-philippine-sea-analyst-1326">China carrying out &#x27;maritime occupation&#x27; in West Philippine Sea: analyst</a></div><p>In a statement released on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said China’s assertion of “indisputable sovereignty” over Escoda Shoal has no basis under international law.</p><p>“China’s claims of indisputable sovereignty over the feature are illegal and unfounded as neither an international tribunal nor international law-abiding State has ever recognized Chinese sovereignty over Escoda Shoal,” Teodoro said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/15/3-fishermen-injured-in-chinese-water-cannon-attack-in-better-condition-nmc-1447">3 fishermen injured in Chinese water cannon attack &#x27;in better condition&#x27;: NMC</a></div><p>Escoda Shoal is around 140 kilometers from Palawan, while it is about 1,200 kilometers away from China’s Hainan Province.</p><p>The Defense chief said the use of water cannon, aggressive maneuvering, and cutting of anchor lines—actions that resulted in physical injuries to three Filipino fishermen—are inconsistent with the obligation of states to ensure the safety of human life at sea.</p><p>Teodoro reiterated that the maritime entitlements in the area are governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and emphasized that the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, is final and binding.</p><p>“Claims and actions that disregard these legal principles undermine the rules-based international order, and erode regional peace and stability,” he said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/15/ph-gov-t-condemns-china-coast-guard-water-cannon-attack-on-filipino-fishermen-1631">PH gov’t condemns China Coast Guard water cannon attack on Filipino fishermen</a></div><p>The Secretary also rejected statements from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempting to justify the incident by invoking sovereignty claims and alleging that Filipino fishermen were “knife-wielding,” calling these “blatant lies not supported by facts and evidence.”</p><p>“States aspiring for regional leadership should act responsibly,” Teodoro said.</p><p>“We call on China to stop spreading false narratives and engaging in State-orchestrated disinformation campaign,” he added.</p><p>The Philippines likewise rejected China’s assertion that other nations have “no right” to comment on the incident, stressing that the international community has a legitimate interest in upholding international law, freedom of navigation, and safety of civilians at sea, particularly when coercive acts threaten stability in a vital international waterway.</p><p>“Unlike China, we in the Philippines don’t silence dissent with violence and intimidation,” Teodoro noted.</p><p>Teodoro also assured the public that the government will continue to protect Filipino citizens, support the livelihood of Filipino fishers, and pursue appropriate diplomatic and legal measures consistent with the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/15/marcos-wants-more-coast-guard-vessels-to-protect-ph-s-interests-in-west-ph-sea-palace-1725">Marcos wants more Coast Guard vessels to protect PH’s interests in West PH Sea: Palace</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QvYbE6iBrOk?si=Ms3EffMDzWZLf2ii" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Defense chief said the use of water cannon, aggressive maneuvering, and cutting of anchor lines are inconsistent with the obligation of states to ensure the safety of human life at sea.</p>

The Defense chief said the use of water cannon, aggressive maneuvering, and cutting of anchor lines are inconsistent with the obligation of states to ensure the safety of human life at sea.

Teodoro condemns ‘dangerous, inhumane’ actions of Chinese forces vs Filipino fishers

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Teodoro condemns ‘dangerous, inhumane’ actions of Chinese forces vs Filipino fishers

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 16, 2025 12:05 PM PHT

Read More:

Department of National Defense

Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

inhuman actions

water cannon

China Coast Guard

Filipino fishermen

Escoda Shoal

Sabina Shoal

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