SUMMARY
MANILA, Philippines – Chinese ships attempted to block the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) rescue mission on Saturday, June 29, when the agency was responding to an incident in waters near Bajo de Masinloc after the engine of Filipino fishing boat “Akio” exploded, leaving two injured.
The PCG’s BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) was assigned to respond to the incident, which happened 17 nautical miles southwest of Bajo de Masinloc as it was also patrolling the waters. According to a statement on Sunday, PCG personnel provided medical assistance to two fishers who suffered second-degree burns and gave food and medical aid to all eight onboard.
However, they encountered a hiccup during the rescue operation.
“The Chinese Coast Guard deployed two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) not to …