A Philippine Navy personnel was injured after members of the China Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly assaulted him during a confrontation in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on July 20, 2026, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The incident occurred when a CCG rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from vessel CCGV 21560 unlawfully approached the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy vessel grounded in 1999 to assert sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal.The CCG vessel circled and took photos/videos, prompting AFP rubber boats to drive it away.

However, the situation escalated when CCG personnel struck a Navy officer on the head with a wooden baton, causing injury and damaging the rubber boat.The Western Command provided immediate medical attention and is assessing the need for evacuation.The AFP condemned the CCG's actions as a blatant disregard for safety and a threat to regional stability.

The incident occurs amid the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Manila, where Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro is set to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to address South China Sea tensions.The AFP reaffirmed its commitment to uphold Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, urging China to comply with the 2016 arbitral award.