A Philippine Coast Guard vessel deployed to replace the BRP Teresa Magbanua has moved closer to Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea. The update was provided by National Maritime Council (NMC) spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander Lopez during a news forum on Saturday.
The ship’s deployment follows the withdrawal of BRP Teresa Magbanua, which was stationed at Escoda Shoal for five months but was pulled out due to issues related to seaworthiness, crew supplies, and weather conditions. The replacement vessel, thus far, has not encountered any harassment from Chinese forces, according to Lopez.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua had been anchored in the disputed shoal since April, amid reports of China’s reclamation activities in the area. Following its departure, the Philippine Navy reported the presence of 65 Chinese ships at Escoda Shoal, but officials, including Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, emphasized that China does not control the shoal, and its presence there is illegal.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated there is no need for an agreement with China regarding the shoal, focusing instead on halting any reclamation activities.
Escoda Shoal, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, remains a contested area as China continues to assert its claims despite international opposition