PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — A routine deployment mission to the West Philippine Sea turned risky for the Philippine Coast Guard earlier today when one of their vehicles overturned in Barangay Labog, Sofronio Española, southern Palawan, causing minor injuries to eight personnel.

The convoy, consisting of three vehicles, was en route to Buliluyan Port in Bataraza as part of a personnel deployment to the strategically important Kalayaan Island Group in the disputed waters. The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, 4 January, impacting the mission's progress.

Captain Dennis Labay, commander of the PCG's district in Palawan, said Thursday emergency services responded promptly, ensuring the transportation of the injured to Sagrado Hospital in Brooke's Point. Despite the accident, the convoy pressed on to complete its deployment objectives.

"They were making a turn, and then it seemed like they overshot the road. It appears to be a slight lapse in judgment by the driver, but everyone is okay now. There were no serious injuries, just some scrapes," he said.

"They're fine now, on their way to Buliluyan [Port, in Bataraza] because they still need to prepare for the rotation and resupply (RoRe) at Pag-asa Island," added Labay.

Labay said that the incident underscores the difficulties encountered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in protecting the nation's maritime territories, especially in challenging conditions.

Nevertheless, he said that the well-being of the personnel is of utmost importance. Consequently, this occurrence is expected to lead to a thorough reassessment of their operational and safety protocols.