The Philippine Coast Guard Islander and Air Force C295v successfully evacuated 82 patients, 59 adults and 23 children in Batanes from July 04-09, 2018.

PCG Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino ordered the deployment of PCG Islander plane after receiving reports of dengue outbreak in the town of Itbayat from Governor Marilou Cayco of Batanes.

The PCG Islander undertook six medical mission flights from the town of Itbayat to Batanes after evacuation of the patients from the sea was no longer possible because of the weather.

Lt Erick Gacasa, head pilot of the PCG Islander said that majority of the patients are elders and children and some are on critical condition. He added that PCG is on standby and will go back to the province once the weather is clear. They might also bring blood supply from Manila to Batanes hospital.