MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday expressed "grave concern" over China's recent "illegal and aggressive actions" in the West Philippine Sea that reportedly resulted in injury of several Philippine Navy personnel.

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"The DFA denounces the illegal and aggressive actions of Chinese authorities that resulted in personnel injury and vessel damage... We expect China to act sincerely and responsibly, and refrain from behavior that puts to risk the safety of personnel and vessels," the DFA said in a statement. 

Philippine authorities have yet to disclose the details of the June 17 incident but sources said at least 8 Philippine Navy sailors were injured—one of whom reportedly lost a finger—after Chinese vessels intercepted a resupply run to the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Sources also told ABS-CBN News that the China Coast Guard rammed and boarded at least one Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) dispatched by the Philippine Navy to bring supplies to BRP Sierra Madre.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has confirmed that Philippine sailors had been injured but has not given details about the incidents

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China also reportedly seized high-powered weapons from the Navy personnel, and reportedly punctured one of the RHIBs. 

It is yet unclear whether the sailors or the boats have been evacuated from the area, pending a statement from the military.

The Department of National Defense and the AFP have mostly kept mum on the details of this latest incident, except for statements condemning China's actions.

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“It should now be clear to the international community that China’s actions are the true obstacles to peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.

According to the DFA, the Philippines remains commitment to "pursue peace" and "rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China on the South China Sea."

However, the DFA said "[t]his cannot be achieved if China’s words do not match their actions on the waters."

On Tuesday, several allies expressed solidarity with Philippines, with the United States reiterating its mutual defense pact with Manila. 

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