On October 8, 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a new confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal. This shoal, where the China Coast Guard (CCG) is present, has become a permanent flashpoint between Philippine and Chinese forces. The Philippine Navy has had a vessel deliberately grounded in the area since 1999 to counter China's expansion.
Details of the Incident and China's Intervention
In this incident, a member of the Navy stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre required medical assistance and needed to be evacuated from the station. The Philippine Coast Guard dispatched the patrol vessel BRP Cabra towards Second Thomas Shoal to carry out the medical rescue operation. The vessel reached a position approximately 9 nautical miles from the shoal at 07:30 and encountered the China Coast Guard vessel CCG 5306.
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The China Coast Guard used its water cannons and approached BRP Cabra, preventing the Philippine vessel from advancing further. To avoid a confrontation with the water cannons, BRP Cabra decided to stay about 13 miles off the coast and wait. Under these circumstances, the Philippine Coast Guard was unable to approach the patient, and efforts to transfer the patient failed due to the presence of the Chinese.
Consequences of the Incident and Statements
Later in the day, the situation remained unchanged, and as a result, a team from BRP Cabra was sent to the patient using a RIB boat. Meanwhile, the BRP Sierra Madre station sent two rubber boats with the patient and accompanying personnel. The two teams met four miles from the shoal, and the patient was transferred between the boats. During this process, small boats and the China Coast Guard repeatedly harassed the Philippine Coast Guard teams and engaged in dangerous maneuvers.
After the patient was transferred to BRP Cabra, the medical team on board provided first aid and intravenous fluids and then proceeded towards the shore to transfer the patient for further treatment. The Philippine Coast Guard stated that the intervention of the China Coast Guard delayed the rescue operation and posed risks to both the Philippine personnel and the patient.
In this context, the commander of the Philippine Coast Guard, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gwan, emphasized that there should be no obstacles or delays when a person's life is at stake. He called on the China Coast Guard to respect humanitarian operations and act according to international law.
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