MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said any act of violence against Filipino personnel is "unacceptable" and will merit the appropriate diplomatic action.
The DFA stressed this on Monday amid reports that a China Coast Guard (CCG) crew member struck a Filipino soldier on the head with a wooden baton, causing an injury that required immediate medical attention.
In a statement on Monday, the DFA said it "is in coordination with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) regarding the details of the incident."
"The DFA is committed to upholding the safety and well-being of Filipino personnel in BRP Sierra Madre who are lawfully performing their duties," the Foreign Affairs department said.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemned the violent and unlawful actions of CCG personnel against Philippine servicemen stationed aboard BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
The NTF-WPS said the Filipino troopers are "well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf."
It reported that at 9:15 a.m. Monday, a CCG vessel deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that deliberately approached BRP Sierra Madre at close range.
"Despite repeated instructions from Philippine personnel to leave the area, the Chinese RHIB refused to withdraw and instead escalated the situation," the NTF-WPS said. During the incident, a Chinese crew member struck the unidentified Filipino soldier on the head with a wooden baton.
"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," it added.
"Our personnel in the West Philippine Sea will continue to exercise professionalism, restraint, and fidelity to international law," the NTF-WPS said.
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 NTF-WPS called on the CCG to immediately cease dangerous and unlawful actions that threaten lives and undermine peace and stability.
