PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. condemned the alleged attack by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) personnel on Philippine Navy sailors near Second Thomas Shoal, Malacañang on Tuesday, adding that the government will continue to pursue diplomatic ways to resolve tensions in the South China Sea.
China summoned Manila’s ambassador over the civil unrest in a place called Ayungin, accusing Manila of misrepresenting the incident.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected Beijing’s account of the incident as “false and misleading.”
“The President condemns this incident,” Palace Press chief Clarissa A. Castro said in a press conference in Filipino.
The palace said Mr. Marcos supported the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in condemning Monday’s clash around the incident.
“The DFA is working with the AFP on the details of the incident. Any act of violence against Filipino workers is unacceptable and will merit appropriate action,” Ms. Castro said, citing the agency.
“The President does not want these incidents. His policy is that we must deal with events like this through the use of embassies. Therefore, what is happening between our country and China is really unacceptable,” he added.
The palace also dismissed China’s account of the meeting after Beijing said Philippine workers ignored warnings, fueled tensions and attacked Chinese officials with paddles.
“The authority of our officials and workers in the Philippines is fully consistent with our rights and our laws,” said Ms. Castro. “Whatever narrative they choose to present is up to them. We stand firm in our rights and in the proper actions of our officers and employees.”
This incident happened before the planned bilateral meeting on Wednesday between the Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila.
Beijing said it has summoned the Philippine ambassador to China.
“The Philippine side first raised this incident, but it has turned around and made accusations, distorted the facts and engaged in bad publicity,” the statement said.
The US condemned what it described as China’s “dangerous and aggressive actions” against Philippine Navy personnel and urged Beijing to “immediately stop its disruptive behavior.”
In a statement posted on its website, the US State Department said China’s “worrisome approach to provocation of official Philippine activities” undermines peace and stability in the region and contradicts its repeated commitment to resolve disputes peacefully.
“We stand with our partner Philippines and commend the professionalism and self-discipline shown by the personnel of the Philippine Navy in this incident,” it said.
The State Department reaffirmed the July 2016 arbitration ruling that dismissed China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, saying the decision is “final and legally binding” on China and the Philippines.
“We will continue to stand with our allies and partners in defending a free and open Indo-Pacific,” it added.
‘BRUTAL ATTACK’
The China Coast Guard says two Philippine rubber boats have been sunk BRP Sierra Madre raided a Chinese boat and that the Philippine crew began “viciously attacking” the Chinese police using paddles and long sticks. It described the actions of the Philippines as “good in nature.”
The CCG also said it has approved the transfer of injured Philippine guards BRP Sierra Madre “for human consideration.”
“The CCG questioned and confirmed the Philippine boats, and monitored the whole process,” said CCG spokesperson Jiang Lue, adding that China will continue to do what it described as the law regarding the incident.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
AFP rejected China’s plan of events, insisting that Philippine workers did not start the conflict and that Chinese workers illegally entered waters where the Philippines exercises its sovereign rights under international law.
“Why China Coast Guard’s RHIB (resilient rescue boat) is working closely BRP Sierra Madre?” AFP said in a statement. “Its presence was an illegal intrusion into the territory where the Philippines exercises its sovereign rights under international law.”
Earlier, the military said a Philippine Navy soldier suffered a head injury after being hit with a wooden stick by CCG personnel during an encounter on Monday. It also said that one Navy rubber boat was damaged.
Separately, Mr. Marcos appointed Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete as AFP chief of staff, replacing General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., the Department of National Defense said.
The department also named Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, as the commander-in-chief of the Army of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Australia announced a P413 million aid package for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to increase its maritime patrol capacity.
Australia’s embassy in Manila said the four-year package includes aerial and underwater drones, counter-drone systems, and operator training.
The latest commitment brings Australia’s drone assistance to the PCG to P578 million starting in April 2025, when it donates 35 drones and training for Philippine personnel.
Australia has also pledged P678 million in bilateral maritime assistance over the next four years through the Civil Maritime Advancement through Partnership and Support program. – Erika Mae P. Sinaking again Pexcel John Bacon with Reuters
