PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said yesterday that based on an initial report submitted by the BRP Sindangan, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy 572 and China Coast Guard (CCG) 3105 attempted to stop their ship while on its way to rescue the fishermen of the FBca AKIO.
However, the PCG said that when the two Chinese ships learned that the PCG was on a rescue mission, they were allowed to proceed.
“During the operation, our vessel received radio challenges, as well as encountered shadowing and initial blocking by CCG and PLA Navy ships,” Balilo said.
“The CCG and PLA Navy vessels stopped shadowing our ship when they were informed by the Angel of the Sea (female radio operator) on board about the humanitarian mission,” he added.
“In times of emergencies, the safety of life should always be our priority. The PCG and CCG communicated in a diplomatic manner and set aside issues on sovereignty, in the spirit of humanitarianism,” Balilo said.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, said, “The swift rescue operation proves the significance of our constant presence at BDM (Bajo de Masinloc/Panatag).”
“We will not elevate tension, but we will remain firm on our mission to ensure the safety of lives at sea. Rest assured that coast guardians will continue to protect, look after, and take good care of the welfare of our fishermen no matter what, the coast guard way,” Gavan added.
At 11:40 a.m. of June 29, the BRP Sindangan was positioned at 31 nautical miles southeast off Panatag Shoal when Filipino fishing boat FBca GG3 communicated with them via radio that the FBca AKIO’s engine exploded and the boat in distress.
It was later learned that the engine exploded at 9 a.m. because of a faulty starter motor.
This story is from the July 01, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 01, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BDO introduces digital innovations
Sy-led BDO Unibank Inc. has introduced self-service machines and other digital innovations in its physical branches nationwide as part of its strategy of combining digital and physical banking channels to make financial services more accessible for Filipinos.
Tiu returns as president of Phl Infradev
Businessman Antonio Tiu has returned at the helm of listed Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc. after resigning from the post last year.
Citi sees 150 bps rate cuts in 2 years
Global banking giant Citi expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to cut borrowing costs by a total of 75 basis points this year and another 75 basis points in 2025, which will provide support to the Philippines’ economic growth.
middle-income Phl to attain upper status by late 2025, says NEDA
The Philippines remains on track to achieving upper middle-income status by late next year after exceeding its gross national income (GNI) per capita target last year, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.
EDC switches on P7-B geothermal plant in Albay
Energy Development Corp. (EDC), the renewable energy (RE) arm of Lopez-led First Gen Corp., has switched on its 28.9-megawatt (MW) geothermal plant, valued at around P7 billion, in Manito, Albay.
CNPF hikes spending to support expansion
Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF), the listed food and beverage firm of the Po family, is hiking its capital spending this year to fund capacity expansion projects to support the company’s double-digit growth target for the year.
Say hello to wheat straw cups
Tzu Chi Foundation, which originated in Taiwan, has scheduled a charity run on July 21 for one, three, five and 10 kilometers at the UP Diliman campus.
Security Bank to double green, sustainable loans
Security Bank Corp. plans to double its new sustainable loans to about P80 billion by the end of 2025 as it seeks to take advantage of the growing financing needs for the country’s green transition.
Citizen scientists mobilized to protect Verde Island Passage
The Verde Island Passage (VIP), one of the country’s marine treasures, has received invaluable help from the Lopez Group, which organized an 18-member team of citizen scientists.
Phl, 4 Asian countries to link instant payment systems
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and its global partners have completed the blueprint for the third phase of its Nexus Project and is now preparing for the final phase, which includes the live implementation of cross-border payments connectivity globally.
