The crew of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at Puerto Princesa Port in Palawan on Sunday and is currently receiving first aid, Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan confirmed on Monday.
"Masaya naman po sila at nakabalik na po sila. Sila po kahapon ay binigyan natin ng award atsaka yung mga may sakit ay nabigyan ng pangunahing lunas," said Gavan in an exclusive interview with DZRH.
Gavan added that the crew will undergo laboratory tests to determine if the desalinated water they consumed for several weeks affected their health.
The crew spent five months patrolling the waters near Sabina or Escoda Shoal.
"Initial na [obserbasyon] ng doktor ay may dehydration sila na nagtrigger ng mga ibang conditions nila," Gavan noted.
When asked about reports that the crew resorted to eating gruel or "lugaw," Gavan confirmed that they did so for three weeks to stretch their remaining food supplies.
Gavan explained that several supply deliveries for the vessel were blocked by the China Coast Guard (CCG), Chinese Navy, and Chinese Maritime Militia. However, thanks to the resilience and resourcefulness of Filipinos, Gavan said the crew was able to fish, which helped supplement their food.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua had been stationed at Sabina Shoal since April 15 to maintain a Philippine military presence in response to the increasing number of Chinese maritime assets in the area.
The extended patrol aimed to prevent Chinese incursions near the shoal. Despite China’s request, the National Security Council (NSC) confirmed that the Philippines would maintain its presence in Sabina Shoal.
On August 31, a CCG vessel allegedly rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua, damaging its stern. The PCG flagship also faced water cannon attacks and blockades during resupply missions.
A Philippine Navy report on September 10 revealed that at least 207 Chinese vessels had swarmed various parts of the West Philippine Sea.
China's continued harassment of Philippine vessels and aircraft stems from its refusal to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated its nine-dash line claim and affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights over areas within 200 nautical miles of its coastline.
