Injured AFP personnel evacuated from Ayungin Shoal despite CCG obstruction —PCG 

The two injured Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel were successfully evacuated from the Ayungin Shoal despite obstruction by the China Coast Guard (CCG), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

The PCG said it immediately deployed BRP Melchora Aquino and BRP Malapascua for the medical evacuation of the two AFP personnel on Monday, July 20 and arrived at the Ayungin Shoal on the morning of Tuesday, July 21.

But CCG rigid-hull inflatable boats tried to block the PCG vessels.

"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 said.

"Despite these obstructive actions, PCG personnel remained professional and fully committed to completing the humanitarian mission safely and successfully," it added.

The injured AFP personnel received treatment at the BRP Melchora Aquino in the afternoon.

On July 20, a Filipino sailor suffered a head injury after he was allegedly struck with a baton by a CCG personnel during an incident at Ayungin Shoal.

"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 PCG said.

"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 said.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier condemned the alleged assault by the CCG.

The Palace also said the government would continue to uphold the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea despite China's aggressive acts in the contested waters. —LDF, GMA News