The China Coast Guard (CCG) attempted to block the evacuation of a sick Philippine soldier from Ayungin Shoal to Palawan last month, adding to the list of Chinese harassment incidents in the West Philippine Sea.
Despite the initial blockade, a successful medical evacuation was conducted with the aid of the Philippine Coast Guard the following day.
The CCG’s aggressive actions have drawn sharp criticism, with Rep. Robert Ace Barbers calling them “barbaric” and urging the Marcos administration to file international criminal complaints. Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized that Philippine troops followed rules of engagement and did not point guns at the Chinese.
The incident follows the May 19 rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, during which CCG personnel competed to retrieve airdropped supplies intended for Filipino troops.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 8, 2024
