West Philippine Sea sees turnover rites for PCG’s biggest ship amid CCG presence

A China Coast Guard vessel is spotted in the bridge’s window behind Lieutenant Efren Duran, who is the new commander of the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua. PHOTO FROM THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA, Philippines — Notwithstanding the presence of  China Coast Guard (CCG), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) held turnover rites for its biggest ship deployed in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea amid signs of reclamation there.

On Tuesday, a turnover ceremony was held for BRP Teresa Magbanua as Commander Vladimer Gaspar relinquished his post to Lieutenant Efren Duran.

“Gaspar has managed to uplift the morale and welfare of the crew despite the pressing situation in Sabina Shoal,” the PCG said in a statement on Wednesday.

READ: China seen behind new WPS island-building

Gaspar served as the commanding officer of the vessel for eight months, while Duran served as the alternate commanding officer of the said ship for four months.

A photo from PCG shows a CCG vessel at a close distance from BRP Teresa Magbanua spotted in the window of the vessel’s bridge behind Duran.

READ: PCG sees signs of possible island – building in Escoda Shoal

The PCG deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua on April 16 amid suspected reclamation in shoal, which falls 75 nautical miles from the coast of Palawan or well within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

In May 10, the PCG found crushed corals were dumped in the shoal in a development that could be a prelude to the emergence of an artificial island there.