MANILA – Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ firm position in the West Philippine Sea, saying the government will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights while avoiding war or confrontation.

“The President has made the Philippine stand in the West Philippine Sea crystal clear. We do not want war or seek confrontation but we must do what we need to do in order to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights, calls of any sector to the contrary notwithstanding,” Teodoro said in a statement. “This is not aggression but simply the sacred duty of all Filipinos.”

He said the Philippines cannot ignore China’s actions in the area, stressing the need to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and natural rights.

“Inulit ng Pangulo ang hangarin niya at ng bawat Pilipino na pumayapa ang ating Bansa at ang kapaligiran nito, ngunit dahil sa China at ang mga ginagawa nito hindi po natin ito maisasantabi,” he said.

Teodoro vowed the Department of National Defense will stand with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in fulfilling this mission.

“Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, Mabuhay ang Pangulong Marcos! Hindi po tayo magpasisiil,” he said.