The ship that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed to replace BRP Teresa Magbanua is now moving closer to Escoda Shoal, the National Maritime Council (NMC) said.
NMC Undersecretary and spokesperson Alexander Lopez confirmed this development during a news forum in Quezon City, stating the Philippines is now covering not just Sabina Shoal but other territorial areas in the West Philippine Sea.
“What is clear, our position is that we have already sailed an asset of the Philippine government to replace or cover the Sabina Shoal,” Lopez said.
The maritime council official noted the ship had not faced any harassment from Chinese militia or other hostile forces so far: “So far nothing. There has been no report that we have been harassed.”
The BRP Teresa Magbanua was withdrawn after five months due to concerns about its seaworthiness and dwindling. It had been stationed at Escoda Shoal since April amid reports of Chinese reclamation activities.
Escoda Shoal, also called Sabina Shoal, is 75 nautical miles off Palawan, well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
China has urged the Philippines to remove the BRP Teresa Magbanua, claiming its presence violates Chinese sovereignty.
Earlier, the PCG reported that is has sent a ship to Escoda Shoal as a replacement for the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said: “Our Coast Guard has already sent a replacement but because of the weather, it has to take shelter first.”
“It will continue with its journey as soon as the weather improves. Our Philippine Coast Guard has a plan on how to protect our West Philippine Sea,” the NSC chief told GMA News.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua was pulled out after keeping watch over Escoda Shoal for five months for repairs and the medical treatment of several of its crew.
The flagship vessel of the Coast Guard endured harassment and ramming by Chinese ships in an attempt to force it out of the shoal which had been deployed there to prevent possible Chinese reclamation activities.
Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, is located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kms off Palawan and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “BRP Teresa Magbanua replacement nears Escoda Shoal — NMC.”
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