China Coast Guard blocks, then allows PH rescue vessel in WPS

MANILA — China Coast Guard (CCG) ships reportedly blocked and maneuvered dangerously close to a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel en route to rescue two fisherfolk who sustained injuries after their boat’s engine exploded near Bajo de Masinloc in West Philippine Sea (WPS).

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said CCG eventually let their multi-role response vessel (MRRV) through after hearing about the explosion.

“They first blocked us, but after hearing the reason, they even offered help,” Balilo told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview.

“Actually, that is already considered dangerous maneuvers; they blocked the vessel and asked us to explain the problem. But it is a good thing we are able to explain to them that we are conducting a rescue operation, and territorial issues should not be included here,” he added.

In an earlier statement, PCG said its MRRV-4407 arrived some 17 nautical miles southwest of Bajo de Masinloc to rescue the fishermen around 3:37 p.m.

“Said fishermen suffered whole body second-degree burns and needed immediate further medical services. All eight crew were taken and given food onboard MRRV 4407,” PCG revealed in a statement on Sunday.

Aside from this, PCG also disclosed that the Chinese Coast Guard within Bajo de Masinloc “launched its two rigid-hulled inflatable boats and “offered help to the half-submerged fishing boat.

The rescue vessel left the area for safer waters off Subic Zambales around 4:54 p.m. while towing the half-submerged fishing boat.

“With medications done,  it was assessed that patients are good to go with said voyage time of the PCG ship,” the agency said. (Faith Argosino © Philippine Daily Inquirer)