Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. vows to continue his duty to defend the nation as he remains undeterred despite the travel ban imposed by China against his family.

"That is their right. That is truly what they do to those who speak the truth against their deception. Their own countrymen and the others under their control suffer far worse," said Teodoro Friday.

"I will just keep doing my duty and uphold our nation in the face of the wickedness they are committing here and even in our seas," he added.

Teodoro issued his statement after the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday the travel ban imposed against him and his family as sanctions for the Philippine defense secretary's alleged repeated "irresponsible remarks on China."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that Teodoro's actions " undermines China's legitimate interest and sabotages China-Philippines relations."

In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs noted that "while the imposition of sanctions is China’s sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates bilateral relations."

"Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries," the agency stated.

The office of the Special Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea also defend Teodoro, stressing that "the Secretary’s firm statements at the Shangri-La Dialogue and other international fora are not 'irresponsible remarks,' but are clear, accurate representations of international law, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the sovereign rights of the Filipino people."

"These sanctions are a transparent attempt at political intimidation, meant to silence those who expose coercive and illegal actions in our exclusive economic zone," it stated.

"The AFP maintains that no amount of foreign pressure, legal maneuvering, or personal targeting of our leadership will deter the men and women of the military from performing our constitutional duty," it added.

Amid China's actions, the AFP assures that the military will continue its routine maritime and aerial patrols, protect the Filipino fishermen, and defend the sovereignty and every inch of Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines stands in absolute solidarity with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. following the unilateral and ungrounded sanctions imposed by the People’s Republic of China. Robina Asido/PHS