DFA: Any act of violence vs Filipinos merits diplomatic action
(AFP)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that any act of violence against Filipino personnel will merit a diplomatic action.
This came after the China Coast Guard's (CCG) alleged violent assault against a Philippine Navy sailor near BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal on Monday, July 20.
According to the DFA, it was coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to determine the details of the incident.
"The DFA is in coordination with the AFP regarding the details of the incident. Any act of violence against Filipino personnel is unacceptable and will merit the appropriate diplomatic action," the department said in a statement on Monday afternoon.
It stressed that it will continue to uphold the safety of Filipino personnel who were merely performing their duties.
"The DFA is committed to upholding the safety and well-being of Filipino personnel on board BRP Sierra Madre who are lawfully performing their duties," the DFA said.
According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), the incident happened at around 9:15 a.m. when a China Coast Guard vessel "21560" launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat that approached the BRP Sierra Madre at close range.
It disclosed that "during the incident, a Chinese crew member struck a Philippine serviceman on the head with a wooden baton, causing an injury that required immediate medical attention."