Screengrab from BRP Sierra Madre

Philippine Navy personnel were reportedly attacked by members of the China Coast Guard during an operation near BRP Sierra Madre, after Filipino troops attempted to drive away a Chinese vessel that had entered the area.

According to the Philippine Navy, personnel aboard rubber boats launched from BRP Sierra Madre carried out what it described as a lawful and non-confrontational operation to push back a China Coast Guard rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that had approached the vicinity of the military outpost in waters where the Philippines says it exercises sovereign rights under international law.

Instead of leaving the area, the Philippine Navy said China Coast Guard personnel allegedly responded with force, striking Filipino sailors with wooden batons and damaging the Navy's rubber boats during the encounter.

Despite the incident, the Philippine Navy said its personnel remained disciplined and avoided escalating the situation.

"Despite the aggression, our troops exercised maximum restraint, professionalism, and discipline while carrying out their mission."

The incident adds to the growing number of confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, where tensions have remained high over competing maritime claims. Philippine authorities have repeatedly maintained that their operations are conducted within the country's lawful maritime jurisdiction under international law.