Task force on West PH Sea condemns assault on Filipino sailor in Ayungin Shoal, tells China to stop dangerous acts

(AFP)

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Monday, July 20, condemned China Coast Guard’s (CCG) alleged violent assault against a Philippine Navy sailor near BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, saying the incident further raises tensions in the disputed waters.

In a statement, the NTF-WPS said the incident happened at around 9:15 a.m. when China Coast Guard vessel with now number “21560” launched a rigid hull inflatable boat that approached the BRP Sierra Madre at close range.

The BRP Sierra Madre has served as the Philippines’ military outpost at Ayungin Shoal since 1999. The grounded warship has been at the center of repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels as Manila continues rotation and resupply missions to troops stationed there.

According to the task force, PN personnel repeatedly instructed the Chinese boat to leave the area but its crew refused.

“During the incident, a Chinese crew member struck a Philippine serviceman on the head with a wooden baton, causing an injury that required immediate medical attention,” the NTF-WPS said.

The national government has repeatedly maintained that Ayungin Shoal lies within its exclusive economic zone under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The 2016 Arbitral Award also ruled that China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under the convention, a decision that Beijing continues to reject.

“The safety and welfare of every Filipino serviceman remain paramount. This latest act of aggression against personnel performing their lawful duties is unacceptable and serves only to heighten tensions and increase the risk of dangerous miscalculation at sea,” the task force said.

Despite the latest confrontation, the NTF-WPS said Filipino personnel would continue to carry out their mission in accordance with international law.

“Our personnel in the West Philippine Sea will continue to exercise professionalism, restraint, and fidelity to international law. The Philippines remains firmly committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, even as it steadfastly protects its sovereign rights and jurisdiction and ensures the safety of those serving on the frontlines of our maritime domain,” it said.

The task force also called on Beijing to halt actions that could further destabilize the situation.

“We call on the China Coast Guard to immediately cease dangerous and unlawful actions that threaten lives and undermine peace and stability,” it said. — Martin Sadongdong