Seen in the video footage shared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are the dangerous and harassing activities conducted by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) against Filipino soldiers in Ayungin Shoal on Monday, June 17.
The event occurred during the humanitarian rotation and resupply (RoRe) operations of the Philippine Army at the BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) where CCG obstructed and rammed AFP's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB).
Based on the video captured by AFP personnel, CCG was seen employing physical attacks, bladed weapons, blaring sirens, and blinding strobe lights. This has destroyed several pieces of equipment of the AFP troops and resulted in the injury of a Navy sailor.
"Despite facing overwhelming numbers and harassment from the CCG, Filipino troops valiantly fought back and defended their position. The AFP maintains professionalism and steadfast commitment to uphold international law and preserve peace in the region," the AFP said.
The CCG personnel violently attached ropes to tow the AFP's RHIB while threatening to injure an AFP soldier with a pickaxe.
They also employed blaring sirens to create chaos, disrupt communication, and divert the attention of AFP troops, exacerbating the hostile and dangerous situation.
Another harassment was the launch of a brutal assault on the AFP personnel aboard an AFP RHIB, aggressively ramming it and brandishing bladed and pointed weapons, explicitly threatening to harm AFP troops.
AFP said CCG also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion, while continuously blaring sirens to disrupt communication.
"The CCG swarmed AFP's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) already moored alongside BRP Sierra Madre (LS57), escalating their aggression by wielding pointed weapons and explicitly threatening to harm Filipino troops," the AFP said.
"The CCG personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel. They also slashed the RHIBs, rendering them inoperable. All the while, the blaring sirens were being employed non-stop," it added.
A Chinese military aircraft also circles overhead, in a further display of excessive force and intimidation.
Another video showed an RHIB crammed in the middle by two CCG boats. The RHIB has been dragged and eventually towed away from BRP Sierra Madre.
"In an act of piracy, CCG personnel proceeded to loot supplies, pilfer equipment, and ultimately destroy the RHIB rendering it immobile," said the AFP.
DFA Statement
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed “grave concern” over the incident.
In its official statement on Wednesday, the DFA “denounced” the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage.
On Wednesday, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. recognized the bravery of the affected armed forces noting that they fought back with “everything that they had.”
