President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.condemned the alleged assault by Chinese Coast Guard personnel on Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing the government's commitment to uphold its territorial claims.

The Palace expressed support for statements from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regarding the incident.

Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated that the administration rejects any violence against Filipino personnel, stating that diplomatic actions will be taken to address the issue.

The incident follows a recent confrontation where Chinese Coast Guard members allegedly assaulted a Filipino sailor near the BRP Sierra Madre, which is part of the disputed Ayungin Shoal.

This comes amid ongoing tensions with China, including a previous diplomatic protest over a 'racist' video by Chinese state media depicting Filipinos as monkeys.

The government maintains that its actions are based on defending national rights and lawful operations in contested waters, rejecting narratives that frame the dispute as territorial aggression rather than a stand for sovereignty.