THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has issued a stern warning against the false news being spread by China concerning operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a statement on Saturday, August 2, 2025, the AFP called out China over the recent attempts to mislead the public by falsely labeling old or recycled footage as a “new” incident in Ayungin Shoal.
“These deceptive tactics are not only irresponsible — they aim to manipulate public perception, distort the truth, and weaken our shared resolve in asserting the nation’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” the Philippine military said.
This statement came following a report from the South China Morning Post (SCMP), citing news from China-backed CCTV on Friday, August 1, that a confrontation ensued as a Chinese Coast Guard towed away BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded in Ayungin Shoal since 1999.
BRP Sierra Madre serves as an outpost of the Philippine Marine forces in the WPS as the country affirms the Philippines' exclusive economic zone amid its dispute with China.
Another report from Chinese state-run Global Times also states that China Coast Guard personnel blocked Philippine resupply boats from “infringing” on Ayungin Shoal and managed to tow them “in just six minutes.”
The AFP maintained that it remains steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, firmly anchored on the Constitution and international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant. Think critically, verify information, and rely only on credible and official sources. Disinformation is a direct threat to our national integrity and unity,” the AFP said.
“The truth is our strongest defense,” it added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)