PCG denounces China's blockade of medevac mission

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) denounced China's alleged attempt to block a medical evacuation (medevac) of an ill Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldier in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on May 19.

Despite the Philippines notifying China Coast Guard (CCG) of the humanitarian mission, CCG vessels engaged in dangerous maneuvers and intentionally rammed a Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, called the CCG's behavior "barbaric and inhumane."

The PCG deployed a high-speed response boat to assist the AFP in evacuating the sick trooper onboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

The AFP had attempted the evacuation the day prior but CCG vessels blocked them, prompting the request for PCG assistance.

The Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy successfully completed the medical evacuation of the sick Filipino personnel.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China would allow such evacuations if notified in advance, but accused the Philippines of using resupply missions as an excuse to occupy Ayungin Shoal.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año dismissed China's statement as "absurd, nonsense, and unacceptable."