CTTO
MANILA — On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations heard testimony from Philippine Navy Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo regarding the violent encounter with the Chinese Coast Guard during a resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal. Facundo, a member of the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU), lost a finger during the confrontation on June 17.
Facundo recounted that he was part of a four-vessel convoy—two from the Marines and two from NAVSOU—that departed mainland Palawan and arrived at the shoal around 6 a.m. Only the NAVSOU boats managed to reach the destination as one Marine boat was damaged, and its companion remained behind to assist.
Upon arrival, Facundo said they were immediately rammed by eight Chinese vessels, including an aluminum RHIB from the China Coast Guard, without any warning. “Pagkarating po nila wala na pong warning diniretso yung pagbangga, nagbanggaan na po,” Facundo narrated. He described how Chinese personnel armed with a fireax and sharp pipes cut the ropes on the BRP Sierra Madre and yelled at them while ramming their boats. Facundo lost his finger when it was caught against a Chinese vessel during the clash.
In addition to the physical confrontation, Chinese personnel destroyed two personal cellphones used for navigation. “Hindi siya maitawag na aksidente, intentional, ma’am, eh,” Facundo told Sen. Imee Marcos during the hearing, suggesting that the Chinese aimed to prevent resupply and rotation of personnel on Ayungin Shoal.
Facundo also mentioned that their two RHIBs were towed away by the Chinese, and their attempt at medical evacuation was thwarted when the China Coast Guard deflated their rubber boat about one nautical mile out. The Chinese also threw corals at the BRP Sierra Madre.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) immediately denounced the incident, highlighting the injury to Filipino personnel and damage to Philippine vessels. “We sternly communicated to our counterparts that it was really incomprehensible how the delivery of basic necessities to our troops on the BRP Sierra Madre could be considered a provocation,” Manalo explained.
Manalo emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, despite the challenges posed by recent incidents. “We still believe in the primacy of dialogue and diplomacy even in the face of these serious incidents,” he said, referencing the policy agreed upon by President Marcos and President Xi Jinping to manage maritime differences.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro refuted claims that the incident was a misunderstanding, as suggested by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and insisted that it was a deliberate act. He also clarified that Chinese vessels spotted in Balabac, Palawan, were on innocent passage.
The Philippine Coast Guard maintained they did their best to assist the sailors and employed women radio operators to communicate with their Chinese counterparts to lower tensions.
DFA Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez of the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office noted that the country’s bid for an extension of its continental shelf could serve as a platform for cooperation among claimants, despite potential objections from China and other countries.
Overall, the testimony and subsequent discussions highlighted the ongoing tensions and the Philippine government’s efforts to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international laws.