Manila, July 21 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. condemned the Chinese Coast Guard's (CCG) assault of Philippine Navy personnel at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, Malacanang said Tuesday, reiterating the government's commitment to defending the country's rights through diplomatic means.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President backs the stand of the Department of National Defense (DND), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), all of which denounced the CCG's aggressive action.

"Kinukondena po niya, kinukondena po ng Pangulo ang mga ganitong klaseng pangyayari (He condemns it. The President condemns these kinds of incidents)," Castro said in a Palace briefing.

She said Mar...