Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that sanctions imposed on him and his family by China were due to what Beijing called “erroneous statements,” which he maintained were rooted in his disclosures on illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.

Officials in Negros Occidental, Philippines, have endorsed a proposal by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. for localized peace talks with communist rebels following recent clashes in the province.

The Philippines has condemned China's sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family as an 'unfriendly act' that further complicates relations, with Teodoro vowing to continue his duties amidst the ongoing maritime dispute.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. affirmed the legitimacy of the Army's operations in Toboso and Cauayan towns, where 19 alleged New People's Army combatants were killed in a series of armed encounters.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that for China, negotiations are not a path to conflict resolution but a means of gaining advantage, emphasizing that the Philippines will not be deceived.