According to the National Maritime Council (NMC), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-deployed ship to replace BRP Teresa Magbanua is now moving closer to Escoda Shoal.
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The BRP Teresa Magbanua was withdrawn after five months due to concerns about its seaworthiness, crew supplies, and poor weather conditions. 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.
