17 Fishermen Rescued near Bajo de Masinloc by Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that 17 fishermen were rescued near Bajo de Masinloc after their boat's propeller was damaged by a floating log. The distress signal was received from the fishing vessel, FB Cassandra, by the PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua. The rescue operation was urgent due to the proximity to China's rocket launch test area. Despite rough seas, the PCG vessel towed the fishing boat to safety with the help of tugboat TB Lucida. One crew member with a hypertensive condition received immediate medical attention during the operation. Bajo de Masinloc, claimed by China, is a coral reef formation known for its rich marine resources.

Last June, the Philippines accused China of aggressive maneuvers near Scarborough Shoal. Bajo de Masinloc is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone based on UNCLOS. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea. China rejected the ruling.

According to the source: GMA Network.