West PH Sea: PCG to deploy ships at Escoda amid BRP Teresa Magbanua exit
BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal (File photo dated June 12, 2024 from PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD)
MANILA, Philippines — Despite the withdrawal of BRP Teresa Magbanua from the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will continue to deploy ships in the disputed area.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, made this pronouncement on Monday.
“These are operational details. But one thing I can report to the public is that the PCG will continue to deploy vessels in Escoda Shoal,” Tarriela said in a press conference.
“We have not lost anything,” he emphasized, vowing that “there will be a coast guard presence at Escoda Shoal” after the withdrawal of its flagship vessel from the reef.
READ: West PH Sea: Many Chinese ships exit Sabina after BRP Teresa Magbanua withdrawal
After more than five months, the BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at a port in Puerto Princesa, Palawan from Escoda Shoal on Sunday.
Beijing claims most of the South China Sea despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no merit, and it has acted aggressively against Philippine government vessels at Sabina Shoal and other disputed features in the strategic waterway.
Recent months have seen Chinese sailors ram, block, water-cannon and even board Philippine vessels, causing damage and injuries.
Manila had deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua in April to stop Beijing from reclaiming Sabina Shoal, but pulled it out after four crew members got sick, and after the ship was damaged in a collision with a Chinese vessel.
READ: West Philippine Sea: China, PH trade blame in latest Sabina clash
Tarriela rejected comparisons to events at Scarborough Shoal, which Manila lost to Beijing after a similar months-long standoff in 2012.
He said Sabina was much larger than Scarborough and insisted China would be unable to stop the Philippines from sending patrols around the 137-square-kilometer (53-square-mile) feature.
“It’s not a defeat,” Tarriela said, disputing suggestions the coast guard was “abandoning our post” at the shoal.
“We are just repositioning our vessel,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that coast guard vessels will no longer be deployed there.”
Citing operational security, he would not say how soon the Philippines could send another vessel to the area.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.
