The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) hosted a boodle fight feast for the returning crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua after it docked to its homeport in Palawan on Sunday.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan welcomed the team who operated the flagship vessel led by commanding officer Coast Guard Lieutenant Efren Duran.
Gavan refused to answer questions in connection with the withdrawal of Magbanua after it spent several months stationed in the contested Escoda Shoal.
“I cannot answer you for now. It has to be further assessed… But rest assured this is not the only ship,” Gavan told reporters in a video streamed live by GMA Integrated News.
Duran said he is “happy to be back” on land though he looks forward to resuming the mission as soon as possible.
“Of course, we are planning to return immediately after the repair has been completed. Right now, the conduct of medical check ups for us as promised to assure that we are reinvigorated upon our return to Escoda,” he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Duran described their journey as extremely challenging as they battled Chinese aggressions, weather disturbances, and homesickness, among other issues.
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