AFP chief aboard PH vessel sprayed by China 'worrisome' – Marcos

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21) — Although he emphasized that it was proof of Filipino courage, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced concern over China's recent water cannon attack on a Philippine vessel carrying Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Romeo Brawner.

«The recent incident involving no less than our AFP chief of staff is worrisome, yes, but it is a proud demonstration of Filipino courage against coercion and our firm resolve to protect, preserve, and uphold territorial integrity,» Marcos told troops as the AFP celebrates its 88th anniversary on Wednesday.

On Dec. 10, the wooden boat Unaizah Mae 1 was blasted with water cannon by the China Coast Guard (CCG). It was the latest in a string of tensions between Manila and Beijing.

Brawner revealed that China was likely unaware that he was on board the boat, wearing a face mask and civilian clothes, when the CCG fired water cannons at the vessel which was on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. No one was injured.

An armed attack by any external party in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea, on a Philippine public vessel, aircraft, or armed forces could trigger US response under the Mutual Defence Treaty of the two allies.

READ: Biden reasserts 'ironclad' defense commitment after West PH Sea collisions

«We shall continue to assert our rights in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and international law,» Marcos said.

In 2016, an arbitral tribunal constituted under the United Nations' Convention of the Law of the Sea nullified Beijing's sweeping claims over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.

«The Philippines, through the AFP, remains a force and a voice of reason, exemplifying responsible and dignified behavior in resolving issues in accordance with international law,» the president stressed.

The chief executive also underscored the importance of the Armed Forces now more than ever as the Philippines finds itself in the middle of geopolitical tensions.

RELATED: Marcos: 'Paradigm shift' needed in diplomatic efforts with China on WPS row