MANILA, Philippines: THE Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday reported that a Philippine vessel carrying supplies for Filipino troops at the Ayungin Shoal were hit by water cannons from two Chinese Coast Guard ships, sustaining "heavy damage."

The Unaizah May 4 (UM4) was enroute to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at 8:52 a.m., when the incident occured.

"Unaizah May 4 (UM4) sustained heavy damage... due to the continued blasting of water cannons from two CCG vessels," the PCG said.