The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated that the Philippines holds sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal, stating there is no need for permission to be present in the disputed area.

This comes after a confrontation between Chinese and Filipino sailors in the West Philippine Sea, where at least two Philippine Navy members were injured.

Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan accused the Philippines of violating a provisional agreement, claiming no construction should occur in the disputed waters.

However, the DFA emphasized that Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), asserting the country's exclusive authority.

The DFA also criticized attempts to mischaracterize the Provisional Understanding on the Rotation and Resupply (RORE) Mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy vessel grounded in Ayungin Shoal as an outpost.The agreement was meant to prevent misunderstandings during RORE missions, not to grant foreign permission.President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.summoned the Chinese ambassador to address national security concerns, with Palace officials questioning the validity of the alleged agreement.

Former spokesperson Harry Roque mentioned a 'gentlemen’s agreement' between Duterte and China, which Marcos disputed due to lack of written records.The article underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the Philippines' firm stance on territorial sovereignty.