Radio enthusiast flown out of Pag-asa Island for medical treatment

A member of ham radio Mabuhay DX Group was flown out of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday after suffering an infection from drinking highly saline local water.

 

In an interview with GMA News Online, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala confirmed that the radio enthusiasts' group requested assistance from the AFP Western Command to pick up Chito Pastor.

 

Kakilala said a Nomad airplane from the Philippine Air Force had been scheduled to pick up Pastor. However, the Western Command was not able to airlift the passenger out because of "technical problems."

 

"Instead, WESCOM allowed the relatives of the patient to send a Piper 30 civilian plane to evacuate the patient," he added.

 

Kakilala said Pastor arrived in Puerto Princesa, Palawan at around 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Pag-Asa Island is the center of — and is the only barangay in — Kalayaan, Palawan.

AFP denies Chinese fired on PHL aircraft

An online news report on InterAksyon.com, quoting Leo Almazan, a Mabuhay DX Group member, said the group went to Pag-asa Island to set up amateur radio operations and test a portable solar power system.

 

However, Pastor reportedly acquired an infection from drinking the highly saline local water after their water supply ran out.

 

The report said Pastor was supposed to be evacuated by a Philippine Navy Islander aircraft last Monday, but all flights over the West Philippine Sea were cancelled when "a Chinese frigate fired an illumination round on a PAF patrol aircraft."

 

However, Kakilala denied that flights were cancelled last Monday. He also denied the alleged firing incident.

 

Asked for the reason for the delay of the evacuation, Kakilala said he has no information as of posting time. 

 

In February this year, the Philippines filed two diplomatic protests against China for allegedly harassing local fishermen and for poaching endangered species in Bajo de Masinloc. The protests were handed to representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Manila. — JDS, GMA News