The China Coast Guard's water cannon attack on Sunday did not spare Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner aboard the country's supply ship that was on its to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal for a regular mission. 

Brawner was aboard the Unaizah Mae 1 delivering fresh supplies to the soldiers stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy commissioned vessel that serves as the country's military outpost in the West Philippine Sea. 

The AFP chief said he sought for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s permission to visit the troops stationed in the shoal and reiterate the latter's Christmas greetings to the soldiers.

"We give importance to our troops in the BRP Sierra Madre, we give importance to their presence in Ayungin Shoal because it is a symbol of our sovereign rights, in our exclusive economic zone," Brawner said in an interview on Monday.

He also underscored the huge contribution of all troops stationed in the nine occupied features to defend the country's sovereignty in the WPS.

Brawner recalled a significant number of Chinese vessels, including those being operated by the Chinese Maritime Militia, that are illegally sailing in the Philippine EEZ. 

"Nagalit ako dahil dun sa ginagawa nila, sa tingin ko hindi nila alam na nandun ako e. Hindi nila alam na ako yung sakay kaya't ganun yung taktika nila (I was furious of what they did, I think they don't know I was there. They did not know I was aboard that's why they pushed that tactic," he said. 

Amid the incident, Brawner said he will be discussing with the Department of National Defense Secretary about China's aggressions in the Philippine waters. 

He slammed China's dangerous maneuvers against the country's vessel every during the conduct of rotation and resupply missions in the WPS, particularly in the Ayungin Shoal. 

"We value your service and sacrifice which demonstrates the Filipino's indomitable spirit in asserting our rights and performing our obligations under international law," he said. 

Brawner was the first AFP chief who visited the BRP Sierra Madre amid China's continuing aggressions.