MANILA: The Philippine coast guard on Friday (Jun 7) accused its Chinese counterpart of blocking efforts to evacuate a sick armed forces member in the South China Sea, calling it “barbaric and inhumane”.
The incident, which the Philippines said took place last month, involved a member of a small contingent of marines posted to guard the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine vessel grounded at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, the site of repeated confrontations with China over the past year.
Spokesperson Jay Tarriela said Philippine coast guard and navy rubber boats were harassed by the Chinese vessels, despite having informed them the operation was of a medical nature.
“The barbaric and inhumane behaviour displayed by the China coast guard has no place in our society,” Tarriela said in a statement.
China’s embassy in the Philippines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
