Manila, July 23 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday rejected China's claims that its July 20 actions against Filipino naval personnel in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were triggered by alleged construction activities aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57).

And while the defense chief did not confirm Chinese construction claims, he stressed that the Chinese maritime personnel had no business being in the area.

Chinese reports earlier said that its coast guard went to Ayungin Shoal to check on reports that Filipino troops in the area were conducting construction activities aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, which they claimed violated a "provisional agreement" between the two nations...