PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — After a five-month standoff with Chinese forces at Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal), the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua returned to Palawan with around 60 personnel, many of whom were hungry and dehydrated. The crew had been stationed at the disputed waters since April, guarding against alleged Chinese reclamation activities.
According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, the withdrawal was due to humanitarian reasons, not political pressure. “BRP Teresa Magbanua was compelled to return to port due to unfavorable weather and depleted supplies,” Tarriela explained.
Reports indicated that the crew had been surviving on rice porridge for three weeks and had run out of food two days before their return. The ship also ran out of drinking water, and several crew members were in need of medical attention. Upon docking in Puerto Princesa, four dehydrated personnel were immediately taken to the hospital, with two carried out on stretchers receiving IV fluids.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua was deployed to Escoda Shoal, located 140 kilometers from Palawan within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), to monitor suspected Chinese activities. In August, the vessel sustained structural damage after being intentionally rammed by a China Coast Guard vessel.
Despite the challenges, the Coast Guard praised the crew’s patriotism and bravery. “The PCG acknowledges the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our personnel in carrying out their mission under dangerous conditions,” Tarriela said.
The ship’s pullout was shadowed by China Coast Guard vessels. In August, Chinese forces blocked a resupply mission to the Magbanua, forcing the PCG to air-drop supplies. However, the Coast Guard has not conducted a resupply mission since.
China, which refers to Escoda Shoal as Xianbin Jiao, reiterated its territorial claim over the area. The China Coast Guard criticized the Philippines for “illegally detaining” the BRP Teresa Magbanua at the shoal, asserting that this violated China’s sovereignty and regional peace.
The Philippine government remains committed to defending its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. In 2016, an international tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China’s claims over the South China Sea. However, Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling.