Teodoro Calls CCG Ramming a 'Criminal Act,' Says DND Developing Options to Deter Future Incidents

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on September 21, 2026 that the September 18 China Coast Guard ramming of the unarmed BFAR vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat off Palawan is 'not merely a violation of maritime rules and regulations, but a criminal act' by the CCG, and confirmed his department is 'already developing options for addressing this' in consultation with the National Security Adviser and the National Maritime Council. 'This definitely needs to be addressed,' Teodoro said, declining to detail specific measures under consideration. He argued the incident occurred within Philippine territory and required prompt action, and separately condemned Filipinos who publicly defend China's actions in the dispute as committing treason against the country. PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, described the September 18 collision as the first documented case of a Chinese vessel deliberately ramming an unarmed Philippine civilian government ship, and renewed calls for additional Philippine maritime assets to respond to the growing pattern of close encounters. Coverage of the statement and its follow-through continued through September 22-23 as the DND consultations proceeded.