Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro raised a strong protest with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi over the July 20 China Coast Guard attack on Philippine Navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal.
Lazaro met Wang on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings. She reiterated calls for China to remove remaining structures at Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal.
A Philippine Navy personnel on the BRP Sierra Madre was struck and injured in the head by a China Coast Guard crew member. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the China Coast Guard hindered the transfer of two injured personnel.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said President Marcos summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to Malacañang to convey the protest. Palace officials noted the meeting had been scheduled prior to the Ayungin incident. Jing described the discussion as constructive.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio stated that China disclosed an alleged agreement limiting resupply of the Sierra Madre without prior notice or consultation. Teodoro said he had no knowledge of such an agreement. The Department of Foreign Affairs has not commented.
