Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 25) — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called on Filipinos not to give importance to information about an alleged agreement between the Philippines and China to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, dismissing it as “fake news.”
In a briefing on Friday, Teodoro said that the “propaganda” has been proliferating and triggering unnecessary disputes in the Philippines.“’Wag na nating patulan, mga kababayan, ‘yung mga fake news na ganyan,” he said.[Translation: Let’s not pay attention to fake news like that, my fellow countrymen.]The defense chief instead urged them to focus on supporting the Philippine government’s efforts in securing the country’s exclusive economic zone and territory.According to an earlier statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines made a commitment to remove the vessel but has yet to act on it.Top officials of the government, as well as those of previous administrations, refuted this claim.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was “not aware of any agreement.”
READ: Marcos: Rescind deal with China to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal if it exists
