A Philippine Navy personnel was injured after allegedly being struck in the head with a wooden baton by a member of the China Coast Guard during an encounter at Ayungin Shoal on July 20, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The AFP said a China Coast Guard rigid hull inflatable boat carrying eight personnel approached the BRP Sierra Madre and circled the grounded naval vessel while its crew took photographs and videos.
According to the military, two AFP rubber boats calmly moved to drive away the Chinese vessel.
The AFP alleged that China Coast Guard personnel responded aggressively during the encounter. It said a Navy personnel was struck in the head with a wooden baton, while one of the Philippine Navy’s rubber boats was also damaged.
The injured service member immediately received medical attention. Authorities are continuing to assess his condition to determine whether medical evacuation is necessary.
The AFP condemned what it described as the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard, saying the incident endangered the lives of Filipino personnel and heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the confrontation, the AFP said its personnel remained professional and disciplined throughout the incident. It added that troops acted in accordance with the Rules of Engagement while carrying out what it described as a lawful mission within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The latest confrontation is the newest reported incident involving Philippine and Chinese maritime forces in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea, where tensions have persisted over competing territorial claims. The AFP maintained that its personnel continued to perform their duties in accordance with Philippine laws and established operational procedures.
