AFP Chief Honors Navy Personnel Wounded in Ayungin Incident

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recognized the bravery of two Philippine Navy personnel wounded in the recent incident involving the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal. Newly appointed AFP chief of staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal on the two sailors during a visit to the Camp Ricarte Station Hospital on July 25. "General Nafarrete checked on their condition, expressed the AFP’s gratitude, and assured them of full support for their recovery and welfare. He said their actions reflect the highest standards of military professionalism, patriotism, and selfless service," the AFP said in a statement. The two personnel were serving as security personnel aboard the BRP Sierra Madre during territorial defense operations near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on July 20. Video taken from the BRP Sierra Madre showed CCG personnel aboard a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) refusing to leave the area despite being within waters claimed by the Philippines near Ayungin Shoal. The Chinese personnel were also seen carrying batons. In another video, a rubber boat carrying two people was seen approaching the CCG RHIB, after which one of the Chinese personnel appeared to strike someone aboard the other boat. One of the Filipino sailors suffered a head injury after he was allegedly struck with a baton by a CCG member, while the other injured his right hand during the incident. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier visited the two wounded Navy personnel and conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on them. Marcos also provided each sailor with P100,000 in special financial assistance. The incident highlights the escalating tensions with China over Ayungin Shoal, which the Philippines occupies. Manila has been increasingly assertive in asserting its sovereign rights and jurisdiction within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in accordance with international law. Information Source: GMA News Philippines