West PH Sea: Many Chinese ships exit Sabina after BRP Teresa Magbanua withdrawal

SACRIFICE AT SEA The BRP Teresa Magbanua docks at Puerto Princesa City, provincial capital of Palawan, after five months of patrolling Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, with some of its dehydrated crew members given medical attention upon the vessel’s return. —FRANCES MANGOSING AND PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA, Philippines — Many Chinese ships also left Escoda (Sabina) Shoal following the withdrawal of BRP Teresa Magbanua, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson in the West Philippine Sea, on Monday.

As of Sunday, Tarriela said only 11 Chinese maritime militia vessels remain in Escoda Shoal, while no China Coast Guard (CCG) ships were seen in the area.

Tarriela said inclement weather prompted both Manila and Beijing to withdraw their vessels.

READ: West PH Sea: BRP Teresa Magbanua arrives in Palawan with sick crew

At one point, the Philippine Navy reported a total of 55 militia ships, five Chinese warships, and eight CCG ships recorded in the area over a one-week period.

After more than five months, the BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at port in Puerto Princesa, Palawan from Escoda Shoal on Sunday.

READ: West PH Sea: Navy logs largest Chinese ship presence for 3rd straight week