On October 8, 2026, the China Coast Guard (CCG) used water cannons against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel while it was conducting an emergency medical evacuation at Ayungin Shoal, according to PCG reports.
The operation involved the evacuation of a Philippine Navy personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre. The PCG dispatched the BRP Cabra from Lawak Island to carry out the task.
When the BRP Cabra reached a distance of 9 nautical miles north of Ayungin Shoal, CCG vessel 5306 attempted to drive the BRP Cabra away by firing water cannons at it. Fortunately, the BRP Cabra was not hit and chose to retreat from the shoal to ensure the safety of the crew.
Due to the CCG's interference, the medical evacuation mission was delayed by nearly ten hours. PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela noted that such transfers usually take only a few hours, highlighting the disruptive tactics employed by the CCG.
Tarriela described the CCG's use of water cannons during a humanitarian mission as "dangerous" and "unlawful," as it endangers lives at sea and violates basic maritime conduct standards.
During the operation, the PCG also monitored several CCG vessels and other Chinese maritime assets nearby.