Manila, July 21 (IANS): The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday dismissed the China Coast Guard's (CCG) allegation that Philippine boats had deliberately rammed one of its patrol vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, describing the claims as "false and misleading". "The key issue remains: Why was a China Coast Guard RHIB operating within close proximity of BRP Sierra Madre? The deployment of two rubber boats was a measured, non-confrontational effort to direct the China Coast Guard vessel away. "This incident mirrors the June 17, 2024, incident where similar coercive and violent actions were carried out by China Coast Guard personnel. It further reaffirmed its commitment to continue to uphold the Philippines' sovereign rights, protect its military personnel, and maintain its presence in Second Thomas Shoal in accordance with international law.