MANILA PHILIPPINES – At least 2 filipino fishermen we’re injured following the engine explosion of their Filipino fishing boat (FFB) “Akio” at 17 nautical miles southwest of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) on Saturday.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, immediately instructed BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), currently patrolling at BDM, to provide medical assistance to two of eight fishermen of the half-submerged fishing boat who were injured.
Two Chinese Coast Guard ships were also spotted in the area.
According to the PCG, the China Coast Guard even attempted to block their rescue operations even though they were told that they were dealing with emergency situations.
PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said that they experienced shadowing, radio challenge by CCG and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships.,
“During the operation, our vessel received radio challenges, as well as encountered shadowing and initial blocking by China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships,” Balilo said.
It is said that the PLA Navy vessels stopped shadowing when they were told that the coast guard had a humanitarian mission.
The Chinese also deployed their two rigid hull inflatable boats and allegedly offered help to the eight fishermen on board the boat.
“In times of emergencies, the safety of life should always be our priority. The PCG and CCG communicated in a diplomatic manner and set aside issues on sovereignty, in the spirit of humanitarianism,” Balilo added.
On Monday, Gavan lauded the coast guards aboard the BRP Sindangan who rescued the injured fishermen.
The BRP Sindangan safely arrived at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Port in Subic, Zambales at past four o’clock this morning.