Manila: Senators on Tuesday condemned the latest reported assault by China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel on a Philippine Navy sailor stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Senator Robinhood Padilla stated that the attack, allegedly carried out using a wooden pole, was not an isolated incident but a dangerous escalation against Filipino troops performing legitimate duties within the country's maritime jurisdiction. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Padilla emphasized that repeated protests are insufficient if such incidents continue, calling for stronger and more concrete government measures to protect Philippine personnel. He stressed that the country's preference for restraint and peace should never be misinterpreted as weakness. Senator Bam Aquino echoed these sentiments, denouncing the successive acts of violence and insults directed at the Philippines while rallying support for the country's Navy, Coast Guard, and fisherfolk. Senator JV Ejercito described the incident as another act o f physical aggression by the CCG against Navy personnel carrying out their duties aboard BRP Sierra Madre. He urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring the incident before the international community and exhaust available diplomatic and legal remedies to hold China accountable for violations of international law. Ejercito also called on the Department of National Defense to provide sufficient assistance to the Navy, particularly the injured personnel. House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union, Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun of Zambales, Rep. Ernix Dionisio Jr. of Manila, and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Norte also expressed outrage over the incident. In a joint statement, they expressed full support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense in condemning the provocative and hostile actions of the CCG. They emphasized that such aggression violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 20 16 Arbitral Award, and cannot be allowed to undermine Philippine sovereign rights. The lawmakers praised the professionalism and restraint shown by the Philippine Navy amid the provocation and wished the injured sailor a swift and complete recovery. They called on China to immediately cease these dangerous acts that endanger lives and threaten regional stability.