MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government on Monday called for restraint and adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) to prevent further escalation of tension and ensure the safety of all sea vessels following the collision incidents between Filipino and Chinese coast guard ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The National Task Force on WPS (NTF-WPS) reported that two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels sustained damage after the 'unlawful and aggressive maneuvers' by China Coast Guard (CCG) ships while en route to Patag and Lawak Islands for a resupply mission early on Sunday, August 18.