PCG vessel used to rescue 2 fishermen in West Philippine Sea returns to Subic

‘SWIFT RESCUE’ These two fishermen were among the eight rescued at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). They sustained second-degree burns after a faulty battery caused their boat engine to explode. — PHOTO COURTESY OF PCG

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel deployed to rescue two injured fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) arrived safely in Subic, Zambales early Monday morning.

In a statement, PCG said BRP Sindangan or multi-role response vessel (MRRV)-4407 arrived at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Port at around 4:45 a.m.

READ: China Coast Guard blocks, then allows PH rescue vessel in West Philippine Sea

“The Coast Guard crew turned over the two injured fishermen of FFB Akio (fishing boat) to the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department for transport to the nearest hospital for further medical assistance,” the agency added.

Earlier reports said two of the eight fisherfolk onboard the fishing boat suffered whole body second-degree burns after their vessel’s engine exploded near Bajo de Masinloc.

The PCG identified the injured fishermen as Rolando Lumapaz and Freddie Legaspi, while the rest of the crew were identified as Mark Asuki, Lowigi Asuki, Ernie Adliana, Erick Ricolozado, and Gilbert Sabido — all from Calapandayan in Subic, Zambales.

Upon rescuing them, MRRV-4407 was reportedly blocked by China Coast Guard ships, PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.

READ: 2 Subic fishermen suffer severe burns after boat engine exploded in WPS

After hearing about the explosion, the CCG eventually let their multi-role response vessel (MRRV) through.

Before they were blocked, the MRRV-4407 also “received radio challenges, as well as encountered shadowing” by the CCG and People’s Liberation Army Navy ships, Balilo said.

The PCG official added the CCG also launched two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and offered to help rescue the eight fishermen.

But, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the agency’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the CCG deployed RHIBs “not to assist the PCG, but to obstruct and hinder their efforts in rescuing the two injured Filipino fishermen.”