The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) will be out of service for two to three months for repairs, following damages caused by repeated ramming from Chinese ships while patrolling the disputed Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
According to a report on 24 Oras Weekend, the two-year-old vessel, one of the PCG’s largest ships, is currently docked in Danao, Cebu, where shipwrights are addressing significant damage to its hull and superstructure. The damage was inflicted by both China Coast Guard vessels and Chinese maritime militia forces.
PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Arman Balilo confirmed that the government will not bear the cost of the repairs as the Japanese-made Magbanua is still under warranty from Mitsubishi. “The ship is still under warranty, so Mitsubishi will handle the repairs, and our local shipbuilders in Danao will be involved,” Balilo said.
Two smaller PCG patrol vessels, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, also damaged in encounters with Chinese vessels at Escoda Shoal in August, are undergoing repairs in Cebu as well.
The Magbanua was recalled to Puerto Princesa last week due to bad weather and the deteriorating condition of its 63 crew members. Several crew members were hospitalized after suffering severe dehydration and hunger, following attempts by Chinese forces to block resupply efforts.
The PCG has since sent other vessels to continue safeguarding Escoda Shoal, though their number and locations remain undisclosed. Surveillance operations have reported significant Chinese presence in the area, with nine China Coast Guard ships, four Chinese Navy ships, and 52 militia vessels spotted near the shoal, which lies just 75 nautical miles from Palawan.