AT least eight Filipino naval personnel were injured, including one who reportedly lost a finger, after Chinese vessels prevented Philippine ships from carrying out a routine rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to its troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on Monday, June 17.

According to reports, members of the Philippine Naval Special Operations Group sustained injuries after the Chinese People's Liberation Army-Navy, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia vessels intercepted the six Filipino ships conducting the mission.