The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has rejected the claims made by the China Coast Guard (CCG) regarding a recent incident near the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
In a statement, the AFP said the presence of a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat near the BRP Sierra Madre was illegal and maintained that Philippine Navy personnel did not initiate the confrontation.
According to the military, the Philippine Navy deployed two rubber boats to direct the China Coast Guard vessel to leave the area.
The AFP said the situation escalated after the Chinese vessel allegedly refused to comply with the instruction and one of its personnel struck a Philippine Navy serviceman with a baton.
The military asserted that Philippine personnel exercised restraint throughout the encounter despite the alleged actions of the China Coast Guard.
The AFP also compared the incident to the June 17, 2024 confrontation in the West Philippine Sea, during which a Filipino soldier lost a finger.
According to the military, Filipino troops likewise demonstrated discipline and restraint during that earlier incident.
The AFP also condemned what it described as disinformation surrounding the latest encounter.
The military specifically cited an alleged artificial intelligence-generated video released by Chinese state media, saying it was intended to distort the facts surrounding the incident.
The AFP further alleged that the material sought to undermine the 2016 Arbitral Award, which rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Authorities did not provide additional operational details about the latest confrontation.
The military reiterated its position that Philippine forces acted professionally while carrying out their mission near the BRP Sierra Madre.
The incident is the latest development involving Philippine and Chinese vessels in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea.
