MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday rejected what it described as "false and misleading claims" by the China Coast Guard (CCG) over the July 20, 2026 incident near BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, insisting that Chinese personnel unlawfully entered an area where the Philippines exercises sovereign rights.
In a statement issued on July 21, the AFP questioned why a China Coast Guard rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was operating in close proximity to the grounded Philippine Navy vessel, saying its presence constituted an "unlawful intrusion" under international law.
The military maintained that Philippine Navy personnel acted professionally and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement during the incident. It said two rubber boats were deployed in a measured and non-confrontational effort to direct the Chinese vessel away from the area and stressed that Filipino troops did not initiate any confrontation.
According to the AFP, the situation escalated only after the China Coast Guard ignored repeated instructions to leave and carried out what it called unlawful actions, including striking a Philippine Navy sailor with a wooden baton.
The military said its personnel exercised restraint and defended themselves within established rules, adding that "professionalism should not be mistaken for weakness."
The AFP said the latest confrontation mirrored the June 17, 2024 incident at Ayungin Shoal, when China Coast Guard personnel were also accused of using coercive and violent actions against Philippine forces. It said Filipino troops demonstrated discipline despite what it described as repeated provocations.
The military also accused Chinese state media of conducting disinformation campaigns, citing an artificial intelligence-generated video that it said sought to distort facts and undermine the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The AFP reiterated that the People's Liberation Army, the China Coast Guard and China's maritime militia continue to conduct coordinated illegal and coercive activities in the West Philippine Sea, which it said are the source of instability in the area.
It said the Armed Forces remained committed to protecting Philippine sovereign rights, safeguarding its personnel and maintaining its presence at Ayungin Shoal in accordance with international law.
