Soldier on BRP Sierra Madre in need of emergency medical evacuation: AFP

MANILA — A Philippine Navy personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal requires emergency medical evacuation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for West Philippine Sea matters, said the Palawan-based Western Command is closely monitoring the situation and facilitating the emergency evacuation.

“The personnel has received initial medical management and remains under observation while arrangements for his emergency evacuation are being facilitated,” Trinidad said in a statement, without providing details of the operation.

The AFP is coordinating the evacuation with the Philippine Coast Guard and other concerned agencies to ensure the patient’s safe and timely extraction and transfer to an appropriate medical facility for further assessment and treatment.

“The AFP remains focused on the health, safety, and welfare of its personnel. Every necessary measure is being taken to ensure that the patient receives the medical attention and care he needs at the soonest possible time,” he said.

There has been no troop rotation or resupply of necessities to the rusting, grounded ship, which serves as the Philippines’ military outpost in Ayungin Shoal, following the aggressive blocking on September 24 by three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warships—including two Houbei-class missile boats—and five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels.