On May 19, 2024, in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan decisively deployed the High Speed Response Boat (HSRB) from Buliluyan Port to rendezvous with the Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) carrying sick personnel for immediate medical evacuation.
During our attempt to bring the PCG HSRB alongside the PN RHIB at the rendezvous point, we were harassed by vessels and small boats from the China Coast Guard through blocking operations. Despite informing the Chinese Coast Guard via radio and public address system about the humanitarian nature of our mission for medical evacuation, they still engaged in dangerous maneuvers and even intentionally rammed the PN RHIB while transporting the sick personnel.
The barbaric and inhumane behavior displayed by the China Coast Guard has no place in our society. What should have been a simple medical evacuation operation was subjected to harassment, with the excessive deployment of two China Coast Guard vessels (21551 and 21555), two small boats, and two rubber boats. Their actions clearly demonstrated their intention to prevent the sick personnel from receiving the proper medical attention he urgently needed.
Despite the challenges posed by the interference from the CCG, the PN and PCG displayed remarkable cooperation, professionalism, and determination. They successfully outmaneuvered the numerous CCG assets and completed the transfer of the sick personnel, ensuring their safe arrival at Buliluyan Port.
At 1515H on 19 May 2024, the sick AFP personnel was transported to the nearest hospital and received immediate medical attention.
https://x.com/jaytaryela/status/1798871126346698767