China flags set ablaze in demo over Filipino boat sinking

Recalling the moment of abandonment by China vessel in the South China sea, 22 mock Chinese flags were burned by the Filipino protesters. The protesters also chanted 'Philippines is ours, China get out'

Manila:Dozens of Filipinos burned 22 mock Chinese flags while chanting "The Philippines is ours, China get out!" in Manila on Tuesday in response to a Filipino fishing boat being hit by a Chinese vessel in the disputed South China Sea.

Over 21 crewmen who were there aboard the sunken boat were rescued by a Vietnamese fishing boat.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said that the June 9 incident at Reed Bank should not be blown out of proportion and should be investigated. He also said that China's side should be heard.

Duterte's reaction contrasted with that of his own officials, including the defence chief, who strongly condemned the Chinese vessel for sailing away as the fishing boat sank at night.

Protest leader Sarah Elago urged the administration to act immediately and defend the Philippines' national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The department of foreign affairs lodged a diplomatic protest against China.

China has acknowledged it's fishing vessel hit a Filipino boat in the vicinity of Reed Bank but denied the collision was intentional.

It was one of the most serious recent incidents in the disputed waters involving fishermen from the Philippines and China, whose ties have improved under Duterte.