The Philippine government has once again demanded that China pay for damages incurred during the 17 June 2024, incident at Ayungin Shoal, where China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel allegedly damaged Filipino assets and illegally seized military equipment and personal belongings.
In a statement on Friday through Malacañang, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines "reiterates its demand to China for compensation for the damage caused to Philippine vessels and equipment... as well as the return of its firearms and equipment, and the personal effects of its personnel that were illegally seized on that date.”
The renewed call comes shortly after a recent maritime collision between two Chinese vessels in the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), which Beijing has blamed on Manila.
The Philippine government has strongly denied China’s recent accusation.
The confrontation involved CCG personnel obstructing a humanitarian rotation and resupply mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.
The incident resulted in injuries, including the loss of a finger by a Filipino Navy personnel.
The AFP has earlier announced its intention to seek P60 million in compensation from China for the damages sustained during the operation.
China has previously rejected similar demands.
In a press briefing last year, the Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed the AFP’s compensation request, which was made before the signing of a temporary arrangement concerning Ayungin Shoal.
The Philippine government has consistently maintained its stance on asserting sovereignty and upholding international law in the West Philippine Sea, despite the increasing presence of Chinese vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone.