For enduring harassment and hardships while maintaining the Philippines’ presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Senator Robinhood Padilla acknowledged the crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
In Senate Resolution 1202, Padilla cited the men and women who served in the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) flagship vessel during its most recent voyage in defense of our nation’s sovereignty.
“The crucial and immeasurable contribution of the officers and crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua should be recognized and commended,” Padilla said in his resolution, which was filed Tuesday evening.
In April 2024, the PCG deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRV09701) to monitor China’s reclamation activities in the WPS as well as maintain the Philippines’ presence there.
Despite harassment and intimidation attempts by Chinese vessels, including an intentional ramming by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua did not leave the area.
As part of its harassment efforts, the CCG even blocked rotation and reprovisioning missions, forcing the crew to settle for lugaw, boiled rainwater and droplets from the vessel’s air conditioning system.
BRP Teresa Magbanua was forced to leave Escoda Shoal last September 15 and return to Puerto Princesa Port due to bad weather conditions, depleted supplies and damage to the vessel, aside from the medical condition of some of its crew.
“Resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that the Senate of the Philippines commends and lauds the brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard on board the BRP Teresa Magbanua for their dedication and commitment to protect the sovereign rights of the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea,” Padilla said.
