AFP Condemns China Coast Guard's Actions Near Ayungin Shoal
Photo credit: PCG
In an official statement released Sunday (August 6,223), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned China Coast Guard's (CCG) excessive and unlawful actions against Philippine vessels near Ayungin Shoal.
The AFP expressed grave concern over the incident, which involved one of their chartered supply boats being blocked and water cannoned by a CCG vessel on August 5.
The supply boat was en route to Ayungin Shoal for a routine troop rotation and resupply mission when the dangerous incident occurred.
The CCG's actions were deemed to be in wanton disregard of the safety of the people on board and in violation of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Due to the CCG's maneuvers, the second supply boat was unable to unload the much-needed supplies, hindering the completion of the RORE (rotation, resupply) mission.
In light of this incident, the AFP is calling on the China Coast Guard and the Central Military Commission to act with prudence and be responsible in their actions. The AFP emphasizes the importance of preventing miscalculations and accidents that could endanger lives in the future.