Senator Robin Padilla has strongly condemned the alleged violent actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) against Philippine Navy personnel during a confrontation at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, he described the incident as a 'blatant affront' to Filipino troops carrying out their duties within the Philippines' maritime jurisdiction.

Padilla emphasized that the country's continued restraint has been met with escalating intimidation and violence, urging the government to take stronger measures to protect its personnel and uphold maritime rights.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accused the CCG of clubbing a Filipino sailor with a baton while approaching a grounded vessel serving as a Philippine garrison.Meanwhile, the CCG claimed that Philippine personnel initiated the clash by attacking Chinese law enforcement with paddles and sticks.The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where both nations have clashed over territorial claims.Padilla stressed that peaceful resolution is necessary but warned against allowing the pursuit of peace to be exploited as weakness.The dispute underscores broader geopolitical rivalries in the South China Sea region.