Manila: The Philippines is not exaggerating reports of repeated Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, as the incidents are well documented, a Department of National Defense spokesperson said Thursday. "The Philippines is not hyping the issue, the facts speak for themselves. These are aggressive, excessive, and dangerous actions of an encroaching state," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong stated.

According to Philippines News Agency, Andolong responded to a statement from China's defense ministry accusing Manila of distorting details regarding the December 12 incident in Escoda Shoal (also known as Sabina Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. The incident involved three Filipino fishers who were harmed following water cannoning and other harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

"The facts are not distorted. They are documented, timestamped, and corroborated by video recordings, vessel logs, and on-site reporting by the Philippine Coast Guard," Andolong added. The latest incident also included blocking maneuvers and cutting of anchor lines, which damaged the fishing boats of the fishers.

Andolong emphasized that the Philippines will not be intimidated by China's actions. He noted that the CCG publicly admitted implementing 'control measures,' confirming their interference with civilian fishing boats and Philippine Coast Guard vessels providing aid to injured civilians.

The Philippines remains committed to protecting its people, upholding international law, and asserting its rights calmly, professionally, and transparently, Andolong asserted.