By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the presence of over 60 Chinese vessels at Escoda Shoal on Tuesday (17 Sept 2024), following the Philippines’ withdrawal of BRP Teresa Magbanua over the weekend, Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad asserted that China does not control Escoda Shoal and that Manila continues to monitor the area.
“Presence is not only defined as physical presence. We are developing a range of capabilities—sea-based, air-based, and space-based—with our partners and allies to monitor not just Escoda but the entire West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad stated.
During a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, he made the statement after reports revealed that the over 60 Chinese ships spotted at Escoda Shoal included 52 maritime militia vessels, 5 coast guard ships, and 4 People’s Liberation Army Navy ships.
Trinidad noted that Escoda Shoal is approximately 60 nautical miles from Panganiban Reef in a straight line and about 70 nautical miles from Palawan. Both Escoda and Panganiban are part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, he added.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that adverse weather conditions were the primary reason for Magbanua’s return to its homeport.
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