The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemned China's Coast Guard for 'violent and unlawful' actions that injured a Philippine serviceman near Ayungin Shoal.

The incident occurred on July 20, 2026, when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel approached the grounded BRP Sierra Madre naval vessel in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Despite repeated warnings, the Chinese crew escalated the situation by striking a Philippine serviceman with a wooden baton, causing injuries requiring medical attention.The NTF-WPS emphasized that the safety of Filipino personnel is paramount and called for an end to aggressive actions that threaten maritime peace.The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated that violence against Filipino personnel is unacceptable and will trigger diplomatic measures.The Philippines remains committed to upholding international law, protecting its sovereign rights, and ensuring the safety of its maritime forces.The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China's assertive claims clash with Philippine territorial assertions.The NTF-WPS urged China to comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and support a rules-based order in the region.This incident underscores the need for de-escalation and adherence to international norms to prevent further conflicts at sea.