Marcos visits Navy personnel hurt in Ayungin Shoal incident

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday visited the two Philippine Navy personnel who sustained injuries following a recent encounter with the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the Ayungin Shoal.

The President went to Camp Ricarte Station Hospital inside the Western Command (WESCOM) Headquarters to personally check on the condition of Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Carmelo Aballe and Private Eric Lacida.

Marcos also conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu on the two sailors “in recognition of their extraordinary service, exceptional bravery, and unwavering commitment to protecting the country's territorial interests,” according to the Presidential Communications Office.

The President likewise provided them each with special financial assistance amounting to P100,000.

On Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accused the China Coast Guard personnel of attacking and injuring members of the Philippine Navy at Ayungin Shoal. One of the Filipino sailors from the BRP Sierra Madre needed to be medically evacuated after being struck on the head with a wooden baton.

Philippine officials have slammed the latest incident, calling the CCG’s behavior unacceptable.

Marcos condemned the incident and then summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to Malacañang to discuss matters of national security.—LDF, GMA News