As a result of damage caused by Chinese ships ramming her several times while she was guarding the Escoda Shoal, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) will need repairs that can last up to two to three months.
In a report by Chino Gaston on 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard will miss the services of one of its largest vessels.
After returning from the Escoda Shoal where it was deployed since April, the Magbanua is currently docked in Danao, Cebu where shipwrights are busy fixing gaping holes and dents on the two-year old ship’s superstructure and hull.
The damage was caused after vessels of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese maritime militia deliberately rammed the PCG ship while it was patrolling the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea.
According to the PCG, the government will not spend funds for the repairs of the Japanese-made Magbanua.
“The ship is still under warranty from Mitsubishi so they will be doing the repairs…and our local shipbuilders in Danao will be undertaking the repair,” said PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Arman Balilo.
Also undergoing repairs in Cebu are two smaller Coast Guard patrol vessels, the BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño that were also damaged by Chinese ships in Escoda Shoal last August 19.
“May kakayahan naman ang mga kababayan natin na mag repair… so doon siya gagawin, ang alam ko under warranty pa siya so sasagutin pa ng company na gumawa, yung Mitsubishi,” added Balilo.
(Our countrymen have the capability to perform repairs … so that is where they will undertake it, I understand she is still under warranty so the company that built her, Mitsubishi, will handle it.)
The Magbanua arrived in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last week after it was recalled by the PCG due to the bad weather and for the welfare of its 63-strong crew.
Several crew members were hospitalized due to severe dehydration and hunger after Chinese forces blocked efforts to resupply the ship.
The Coast Guard said the crew is already in good condition.
“Actually, they are now okay, they have recovered. Meron human element yung ating mga gawain sa WPS, tao din po yung pinapadala natin. Huwag natin kalimutan na mga kababayan din natin ‘yun. Pareho lang din sila sa atin,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
(There is a human element to what we are doing in the West Philippine Sea, we send people there. Let us not forget that these are our countrymen. They are the same as you and me.)
The PCG said it sent another vessel or vessels to replace the Magbanua to safeguard the Escoda Shoal but declined to provide specifics as to their number and their location.
Last week, surveillance assets monitored nine CCG vessels, 4 Chinese Navy ships and 52 militia vessels in the area around Escoda Shoal which is only 75 nautical miles away from Palawan. —RF, GMA Integrated News
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