By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Despite the Philippines-China’s conduct of the 9th meeting of Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila,  China Coast Guard’s (CCG) “monster ship” has been staying just less than 800 yards or some 700 meters from the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP (Barko ng Relublikang Pilipino) Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal.

Named after a Visayan revolutionary heroine, the 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) BRP Teresa  Magbanua has been issuing radio challenges to the 165-meter CCG’s “monster ship” on an hourly basis.

“Ang China Coast Guard monster ship now is on the starboard side ng 9701, at we still don’t know what’s their intention. We have been challenging their presence through radio calls – sinasabihan natin sila na ang inangkorahehan nila, the place where they anchored is actually part of the exclusive economic zone ng ating bansa and that they do not have jurisdiction in that area,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela revealed during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

He said China’s “monster ship” entered the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ on Tuesday (2 July 2024).

Tarriela added that based on PCG’s tracking using Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection technology, China’s 165-meter ship CCG-5901 arrived at Escoda on Wednesday, July 3, after it loitered for two days near  Shoal, where the Philippines grounded its warship BRP Sierra Madre that serves as a naval outpost. 

The “monster ship” also deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) around Escoda.

But it has not responded to its intention but insisted on its sovereignty over the water and it is conducting a maritime law enforcement operation.

“We can say na it’s an intimidation on the part of the Chinese coast guard. But again, regardless how many China Coast Guard vessels that they deploy there, regardless whether it’s a PLA Navy vessel, ang Philippine Coast Guard will not be intimidated or not going to pull back and direct Teresa Magwebanua to go back to Palawan. With the clear guidance of our president and the intention of the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard to maintain our presence in Escoda Shoal, ‘re not going to pullout and we’re not going to be intimidated,” Tarriela stressed.

“Regardless of whatever comments the Chinese are saying – whether they are implicating that this is just another Sierra Madre or this is a way for us to violate anything na sinasabi nila – I think we don’t have to listen to them. Again, the Teresa Magbanua’s objective is only to advance our national interest and to safeguard our position in Escoda Shoal. So, we don’t pay so much attention to the comments of the Chinese government,” Tarriela added. 

For his part, Dr. Chester Cabalza, president and founder of think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said the BRP Magbanua could serve as an outpost at Escoda, which he considered as a “very strategic decision” given the tiny shoal’s location which is near Panganiban Reef (Mischief) and Ayungin Shoal, as well as Palawan island. 

“Ang aking interpretation diyan is, of course, magiging permanent ‘yan…which for me is, I think, a good move. Tama lang ‘yong ginawa the same as when the Philippine Navy to put ‘yong Sierra Madre doon sa Ayungin Shoal,”  Cabalza noted. 

“Nakapaka-strategic at intelligent move ‘yan na ginawa ng Philippine Navy for area denial and for deterrence capability rin ‘yon, same as ‘yong gagawin din diyan Escoda Shoal,” he pointed out.

(el Amigo/MNM)