Phil Coast Guard: Chinese release of old Ayungin Shoal footage misleading

Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela clarified that footage showing a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and a Philippine Navy boat at Ayungin Shoal is an 'old video' from June of the previous year.

Tarriela expressed uncertainty about China's motives in releasing this outdated footage, questioning its purpose.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) issued a statement warning against disinformation regarding operations in the West Philippine Sea.

The AFP stressed that recent attempts to mislead the public by labeling old or recycled footage as new incidents are irresponsible and aim to manipulate public perception and weaken national resolve.

GMA News Online has reached out to the Chinese Embassy for comment but has not received a response as of posting time.

Ayungin Shoal, also known as Ren'ai Reef by China, is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, overlapping with territories claimed by other nations such as the Philippines and Vietnam.