Manuel Mogato | October 9, 2026
MANILA — China’s Coast Guard attempted to stop the Philippines from evacuating a sick personnel from a rusting vessel stuck on a disputed shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
It took 10 hours for the Philippine Coast Guard to transfer a sick personnel from BRP Sierra Madre to BRP Cabra in Ayungin Shoal due Chinese Coast Guard shadowing and water cannon.
Even a rubber boat used to transfer the sick personnel was harassed, the Philippine Coast Guard said. (Also read: Chinese vessels block Philippine humanitarian mission in disputed shoal)
Retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the military’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said the personnel was successfully transferred to a Philippine Coast Guard vessel despite China’s harassment.
“The personnel has received initial medical management and remains under observation while arrangements for his emergency evacuation are being facilitated,” said Trinidad.
“It’s ongoing, we are monitoring,” Trinidad said, referring to the medical evacuation of the personnel. (Also read: Philippine foreign ministry condemns China’s ramming of local vessel)
Trinidad said the personnel appears to be suffering from appendicitis, noting that he is complaining of stomach pain, vomiting, and is growing weak.