China, Ankara:  The Philippines issued a warning on Tuesday that it may consider filing a case against China with the United Nations following an incident in which two of its Coast Guard ships were reportedly damaged in separate collisions with Chinese vessels.

Alexander Lopez, spokesperson for the National Maritime Council, stated that Manila is exploring the possibility of pursuing legal action and accused Beijing of violating international law, as reported by the Manila Times.

"We are considering it, especially with respect to the Coast Guard's insights, as they have a better understanding of the situation," Lopez remarked.

He called on China to cease its aggressive actions and to comply with international legal standards.

On Monday, the Philippines reported that two of its Coast Guard vessels sustained damage in separate incidents involving Chinese ships that were executing "unlawful and aggressive maneuvers" near a disputed reef in the South China Sea.

Earlier in the week, Manila lodged a diplomatic protest with Beijing, condemning what it described as "dangerous maneuvers" over the contested South China Sea.

The protest stemmed from reports that Chinese military aircraft had dropped flares in the flight path of Philippine Air Force planes operating near the Scarborough Shoal.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian later urged Manila to immediately halt what he termed "infringement activities and provocations" at Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal).

China lays claim to the majority of the South China Sea, including the Sabina Shoal, which is located 140 kilometers (86 miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan.