The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may be behind the circulation of a fake letter using the name of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said there are indications pointing to the possible involvement of the CCP, potentially with the participation of some Filipinos.
Trinidad said the fake document may have been intended to damage the reputation of government officials and weaken the alliance between the Philippines and the United States.
The fake letter contained statements concerning maritime law enforcement in the West Philippine Sea and political issues in the country.
The DND earlier denied the document, saying the letter purportedly signed by Teodoro was fake and had no basis in fact.
The agency has also referred the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for investigation.
(Photo Courtesy: GBP Aerospace & Defence)
