President Marcos admits escalation of tensions in Ayungin

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October 12, 2026 | 12:00am

SINGAPORE — Days after the Chinese coast guard blocked the medical evacuation of a Filipino soldier on Ayungin Shoal, President Marcos said tensions in the area have escalated, as he maintained the Philippines would defy the increasing “requirements” set by China in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has accused its Chinese counterpart of blocking the emergency medical evacuation of a Philippine Navy personnel assigned at the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty ship grounded on Ayungin Shoal that serves as a military installation.

The evacuation, which was completed last Thursday, lasted almost 10 hours because of the Chinese coast guard’s dangerous maneuvers and harassment of Philippine vessels, the PCG said.

China has denied the accusations, and has criticized the PCG for allegedly disregarding the facts and misleading public opinion.

Marcos said the incident would enter into the discussions about the crafting of a binding Code of Conduct for claimants in the South China Sea.

“Unfortunately, there really is an escalation. Before, there was no problem there. But somehow now, there are more stated requirements for permission,” the President said.

“Before, no permission was required there. There was no requirement there. We did not have to do that then. If we have to go and operate, we just have to go and operate,” he added.

Marcos said the blocking of the medical evacuation was “distressing,” noting that Red Cross humanitarian workers are given access even during wars.

He lauded the PCG and Navy personnel stationed at Ayungin for defending the Philippines’ rights and sovereignty despite the risks.

“We have to give them a snappy salute for the good work. But it is unfortunate that this happened and it seems to indicate a new phase in escalation in the actions that are being undertaken in the West Philippine Sea.”

Marcos reiterated that the Philippines will not comply with the growing number of demands from China.

“The requirements are increasing. We will not follow that,” he said. “In my own property, you’re going to tell me what I’m allowed to do and not to do, within my own territory?”

Marcos said the Philippines has been receiving assistance from its allies as it deals with the maritime row, which he described as a “sticky problem.”

Chinese intrusion

Meanwhile, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea strongly condemned the intrusion of a Chinese maritime militia vessel and its 22 deployed sampans into the territorial sea of Kota Island in the West Philippine Sea on Friday, saying it has no basis under international law.

The Chinese vessels engaged in unauthorized fishing and dumped waste at sea, with one sampan – a small fishing boat – approaching as close as 250 meters from the island’s shoreline. — Pia Lee-Brago