MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has condemned the alleged assault by China Coast Guard personnel on a Filipino sailor during a confrontation near Ayungin Shoal, describing the incident as unacceptable and reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty.
Malacañang said the President denounced the use of force against Filipino personnel carrying out lawful operations within the country's maritime jurisdiction.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that China Coast Guard personnel aboard a motorboat repeatedly struck a Philippine Navy sailor with a wooden baton and damaged a military rubber boat during the encounter. The incident, which was captured on video, further heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea as both Manila and Beijing exchanged diplomatic protests over the confrontation.
Photo by Reuters
