West Philippine Sea: Several factors force BRP Teresa Magbanua to return – PCG

IN PHILIPPINE WATERS The BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in this photo taken June 12, 2024. —PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA, Philippines —  Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua was “compelled” to return to port due to unfavorable weather conditions, lack of daily supplies, and structural damage due to the August 31 ramming incident in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, revealed this in a statement after National Maritime Council Chairperson and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that the vessel already left Escoda (Sabina) Shoal earlier Sunday.

READ: West Philippine Sea: PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua leaves Escoda Shoal

“While committed to her mission at Escoda Shoal, BRP Teresa Magbanua was compelled to return to port due to unfavorable weather conditions, depleted supplies of daily necessities, and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care,” Tarriela wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

“This has been further complicated by the structural damage to the vessel resulting from the deliberate ramming by the China Coast Guard on August 31, 2024,” he added.

Tarriela likewise commended BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701) personnel, who have been in the shoal for over five months.

READ: China will ‘crush’ foreign encroachment in South China Sea – military official

“Their steadfast presence has played a crucial role in countering illegal activities that threaten our marine environment and thwarting attempts by other state actors to engage in surreptitious reclamation in the area,” Tarriela said.

“The PCG is firmly committed and determined in protecting the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, including in Escoda Shoal that lies well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” he added.