Teodoro blames China for personnel hit in collision of its ships

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday blamed China for the injuries sustained by its coast guard personnel following a collision between its ships off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of the exchange of notes between Japan and the Philippines for their reciprocal access agreement (RAA).

When asked to confirm if any Chinese personnel were injured during the collision, Teodoro replied in Filipino, “If someone got hit, it’s their fault.”

Teodoro, however, said he has no information on any potential casualties on the Chinese side.

On Monday, a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship with hull number 3104 chased the BRP Suluan and performed a risky maneuver against the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, resulting in a collision with a Chinese warship. Both Chinese ships were damaged, with CCG-3104’s forecastle severely crushed.

READ: Chinese ships collide off Scarborough Shoal; PH Coast Guard offers aid

Following the incident, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian blamed the Philippines, saying the country “seriously harmed peace and stability at sea.”

The Chinese government has yet to confirm any casualties resulting from the collision.

Teodoro dismissed those remarks.

“I mean, they can say what they want. But I mean, who’s more credible at the end of the day?” Teodoro said.

“I’m already tired of contradicting, you know, and I don’t want to answer a blatant lie and, you know, glorify it. And everybody knows the truth, really,” he added.

He also said accusations that the country is picking a fight defy common sense.

“Why will we pick a fight?” Teodoro said. “Who in his or her right mind will initiate a conflict when you are a smaller country?”/mcm