The Department of National Defense has denounced as fake a letter circulating online that was allegedly signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and referred the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation for investigation.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the document and its contents were fabricated. The letter was reportedly addressed to a person identified as Peter Enzminger and contained claims about an operation at Ayungin Shoal, Philippine politics and the country’s security cooperation with the United States.
The document, dated July 31, purported to describe a Philippine maritime law-enforcement operation in the West Philippine Sea and attributed statements to Teodoro concerning the Philippines’ security relationship with Washington. The DND said these claims were false.
The department said it had asked the NBI to determine the origin and circumstances surrounding the circulation of the fabricated document. Authorities are expected to examine how the letter was produced and distributed online.
Andolong described the incident as another alleged attempt at foreign interference and malign influence aimed at discrediting the government’s efforts concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity. That characterization is the DND’s stated assessment of the incident.
The fake letter surfaced amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines and China have repeatedly exchanged accusations over maritime activities. The DND has urged the public to remain cautious about documents and claims circulating online, particularly those presented as official communications.
