Metro Manila, Philippines – A Philippine Navy sailor was injured after being struck on the head with a wooden baton by China Coast Guard personnel during a confrontation near Ayungin Shoal on Monday, July 20, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
The military also reported that a Philippine Navy rubber boat was damaged in the incident, which occurred during a mission near the BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded naval outpost at Ayungin Shoal.
According to the AFP, a China Coast Guard rigid hull inflatable boat with eight people from vessel CCGV 21560 unlawfully approached the Sierra Madre, circled the ship and took photos and videos.
The military said two AFP rubber boats then moved “calmly and non-confrontationally” to drive away the Chinese vessel.
“The CCGV personnel reacted violently and aggressively by striking a Philippine Navy personnel on the head with a wooden baton, causing injury and damaging the Navy rubber boat operating within the area where our country enjoys sovereign rights under international law,” the AFP said.
The AFP said the Western Command immediately provided medical attention to the injured sailor and is coordinating with the Sierra Madre personnel to determine the extent of injuries and whether a medical evacuation is necessary.
It described the incident as another act of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
“These latest aggressive actions and assault by the CCGV demonstrate a blatant disregard for safety, endanger the lives of our personnel and escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea,” the AFP said.
The military added that its personnel exercised professionalism, discipline and restraint throughout the encounter and acted in accordance with the rules of engagement while carrying out a lawful mission within the exclusive economic zone.
The AFP said its presence and sustainment operations in Ayungin Shoal would continue despite the incident.
“No act of coercion or aggression will deter us from carrying out our constitutional mandate or exercising the Philippines’ lawful rights in the West Philippine Sea,” it said.
The military also called on the People’s Liberation Army, the China Coast Guard and China’s maritime militia to stop what it described as “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions” in the West Philippine Sea and to comply with the 2016 Arbitral Award.
In a separate statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is coordinating with the AFP to establish the details of the incident.
“Any act of violence against Filipino personnel is unacceptable and will merit the appropriate diplomatic action,” the DFA said.
The department added that it remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of Filipino personnel aboard BRP Sierra Madre as they carry out their lawful duties.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to issue a statement as of posting.
