By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the withdrawal of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) largest ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, from Escoda or Sabina Shoal after five months of anchorage, the National Maritime Council (NMC) assured the public on Saturday (21 Sept 2024) that another PCG vessel has been deployed to take its place.
This move aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s firm stance that not a single inch of the country’s territory will be surrendered to any foreign power, NMC spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander Lopez emphasized during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
“Our position is clear—our government has already deployed a replacement vessel to cover Sabina Shoal,” Lopez stated.
Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda Shoal, is located within the West Philippine Sea.
Lopez added that, so far, the newly deployed vessel has not faced any harassment from Chinese militia or other hostile forces.
“Actually, it’s not just Sabina Shoal—we’re now covering other areas in the West Philippine Sea,” Lopez clarified.
The PCG previously announced that BRP Teresa Magbanua was withdrawn from Escoda Shoal due to concerns about its seaworthiness, lack of supplies for the crew, and adverse weather conditions after five months at sea.
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