DFA protests CCG attack in Ayungin

MANILA, Philippines —  Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro yesterday raised with her Chinese counterpart the country’s strong protest against China over the July 20 China Coast Guard (CCG)’s attack on Philippine Navy personnel at Ayungin Shoal.

Lazaro met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Lazaro reiterated that China remove the remaining structures in Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal.

A Philippine Navy personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre was struck and injured in the head by a CCG crew.

The Philippine Coast Guard said yesterday that the CCG hindered the transfer of the two injured personnel.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. accused Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan of downplaying President Marcos’ meeting with him following Monday’s confrontation in Ayungin.

Jing, in an interview with reporters Tuesday night, confirmed that he met with Marcos, but said that the meeting was “constructive” and covered a broad range of issues apart from the maritime dispute.

Teodoro said the President had summoned Jing to Malacañang to relay the Philippine government’s protest over the Ayungin incident.

Palace officials, however, said the meeting with Jing was scheduled before the Ayungin encounter.

In another development, retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio said the DFA might be in a difficult situation after China disclosed a supposed agreement with the Philippines on handling issues in Ayungin.

Carpio hinted the DFA was “now in a bind (after) China has disclosed that the DFA had agreed not to resupply Sierra Madre without prior notice and prior consultation with China, and not to build at all on Ayungin Shoal.”

The DFA has yet to comment on the issue.

Teodoro said he had no knowledge of the agreement. – Michael Punongbayan, Ghio Ong