In late 2024, his brother said, authorities detained their parents, both of whom are fighting cancer, and held them for months to pressure him to return to the island and turn himself in. But he had become obsessed with his mission to 'liberate Cuba,' Edisbel Sánchez González said. He wanted to show the world 'an act of courage.'
On Sunday, Philippine fishing and coast guard vessels were in waters off Philippine-controlled Pag-asa Island, also called Thitu Island, located among the Spratly Islands west of Manila. Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships then entered the area, with one firing a water cannon at a Philippine government vessel. Minutes later, the same Chinese ship rammed into the stern of the Philippine ship, causing minor structural damage. No injuries were reported.