THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday confirmed that a Philippine Navy personnel sustained severe injuries after the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) “intentional ramming” of the vessel he was aboard during the rotation and resupply (RORE) mission in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Monday.
“The injured personnel had been safely evacuated and received prompt medical treatment,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a message to reporters.
Reports said the Navy sailor lost his thumb.
The AFP did not provide other information on the damage sustained by the ship rammed by the CCG during the RORE mission.
“The CCG’s continued aggressive behavior and unprofessional conduct towards a legitimate humanitarian mission is unacceptable. They must restrain themselves to avoid escalating tensions in the WPS,” Trinidad said.
He added the AFP remains committed to maintaining the country’s presence in the WPS, “adhering to international law to protect our seas, our rights, and our future.”
Many countries have already expressed grave concern over Beijing’s actions in the WPS and called for the peaceful resolution of disputes at sea. (PNA)
