A Philippine Navy personnel suffered a serious head injury after being struck with a wooden baton by China Coast Guard personnel during an encounter at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Monday, July 20, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

The AFP said a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat from CCGV 21560, carrying eight personnel, approached the BRP Sierra Madre at close range and circled the Philippine vessel while taking photos and videos.

Two Philippine Navy rubber boats moved to drive the Chinese vessel away, but the China Coast Guard personnel allegedly responded aggressively and struck a Filipino Navy member on the head, damaging the Philippine boat in the process.

“The CCGV personnel reacted violently and aggressively by striking a Philippine Navy personnel on the head with a wooden baton, causing injury and damaging the Navy rubber boat operating within the area where our country enjoys sovereign rights under international law,” the statement said.

The injured personnel received immediate medical attention, while the Western Command is assessing the extent of the injury and whether medical evacuation is needed.

The AFP condemned the incident, saying the actions of the China Coast Guard endangered Filipino personnel and escalated tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

It added that Philippine forces will continue conducting lawful operations in Ayungin Shoal in line with international law.

“Our lawful presence and sustainment operations in Ayungin Shoal will continue. No act of coercion or aggression will deter us from carrying out our constitutional mandate or exercising the Philippines' lawful rights in the West Philippine Sea.”