In an incident reported by Chinese state media, Filipino troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal were accused of pointing guns at the China Coast Guard (CCG). However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has denied this claim, stating that their personnel acted professionally and with restraint.
The AFP emphasized that their troops were on guard due to the provocative presence of the CCG near BRP Sierra Madre. The outpost, a rusting warship grounded in 1999, serves as the country’s presence in the West Philippine Sea.
Tensions between the Philippines and China over maritime territorial disputes have escalated, with incidents of water cannons being used against Philippine boats and collisions injuring Filipino troops. Despite this, the AFP reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the region and warned that any aggressive actions threatening their troops and stations will be met with appropriate measures.
China’s claims over the South China Sea, which conflict with those of the Philippines and other nations, have been a source of ongoing dispute. The international community has rejected China’s territorial basis in the region.
