Philippine Coast Guard Evacuates Injured Personnel from Ayungin Shoal Amidst CCG Obstruction

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced the successful evacuation of two injured Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel from the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, despite obstruction attempts by the China Coast Guard (CCG). The PCG deployed its vessels BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua for the medical evacuation. The ships departed on Monday, July 20, and arrived at Ayungin Shoal on the morning of Tuesday, July 21. However, CCG rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) attempted to block the PCG vessels. According to the PCG, "During the MEDEVAC operation, CCG vessels were present in the area. CCG rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) were deployed and conducted blocking maneuvers against the PCG vessels, hindering the safe retrieval of the injured personnel." The PCG emphasized that "Despite these obstructive actions, PCG personnel remained professional and fully committed to completing the humanitarian mission safely and successfully." The injured AFP personnel received treatment aboard the BRP Melchora Aquino on the afternoon of July 21. On July 20, a Filipino sailor reportedly sustained a head injury after allegedly being struck with a baton by a CCG personnel during an incident at Ayungin Shoal. Regarding the injuries, the PCG stated, "One of the injured personnel sustained a lacerated wound in the parietal area secondary to blunt trauma, along with a contusion hematoma on the medial arm. The second injured personnel sustained a lacerated wound on the index finger, also secondary to blunt trauma, with decreased grip strength in the right hand. Both individuals are in stable condition aboard BRP Melchora Aquino." The PCG condemned the "dangerous and unlawful actions" of the CCG. "The use of physical violence against Filipino personnel and the obstruction of a humanitarian medical evacuation are clear violations of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award," it asserted. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has previously condemned the alleged assault by the CCG. The Palace also affirmed that the government will continue to uphold the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea despite China's aggressive acts in the contested waters.