Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro says any attempt by China to forcibly tow away the grounded BRP Sierra Madre would be treated as an “act of war” against the Philippines. He frames the issue as a serious threat involving a military vessel of the Republic of the Philippines.

Across the reports, the central point is Teodoro’s warning that the use of force or coercive action would cross a line that the government would take “very seriously.” GMA and the Philippine Star also emphasize that the matter would constitute an act of war if China removes the ship by force, while Inquirer adds more detail about Teodoro making the statement during a virtual interview with reporters and explicitly referring to threats against the vessel.