A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel sent to take over sentinel duties from the BRP Teresa Magbanua is now patroling Escoda Shoal, the National Security Council (NSC) said on Thursday.
NSC Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, however, did not disclose the specifics or description of the new ship and its exact location in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“We already have a Coast Guard vessel patroling the Escoda Shoal. So, what our Coast Guard vessel is doing is to keep watch, make sure there are no reclamations, make sure there is nothing illegal going on in the Escoda Shoal,” Malaya said.
He added that maintaining a presence in the area to protect the Philippines’ sovereign rights and national interest in the WPS. “We need to have a presence, so we have a replacement for Teresa Magbanua, which is now guarding and patroling the Escoda Shoal,” said Malaya.
BRP Teresa Magbanua had been stationed in Escoda Shoal since April amid reports of China’s reclamation activities in the area. After five months, it was pulled out over its seaworthiness, lack of supplies for the crew, and bad weather conditions.
Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, is located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
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