PH to maintain presence in Escoda Shoal, defies China demand

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippine government is maintaining its presence in Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea despite a series of encounters with Chinese vessels in recent weeks, National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said.

The Chinese government reiterated its demand for the Philippines to withdraw its ships from Escoda Shoal during the recently held bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea in Beijing on Sept. 11.

“The Chinese side reiterated its principled position on the issue of Xianbin Jiao and urged the Philippine side to immediately withdraw relevant vessels. China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and the seriousness and effectiveness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC),” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

In an interview, Malaya said the Philippines is not pulling out its presence from the shoal. The BRP Teresa Magbanua has been on an “extended patrol” in the area since April.

“We are committed to maintaining the BRP Teresa Magbanua in Sabina Shoal. Kasi nga, pinabantayan natin yung mga possible reclamation activities,” said Malaya.

[Translation: We are committed to maintaining BRP Teresa Magbanua at Sabina Shoal because we’re monitoring possible reclamation activities]

“BRP Teresa Magbanua is there for maritime patrol. It's also doing work on marine preservation and monitoring fisheries in that area. So these are all acts of a sovereign country. So we are committed to keep it there,” Malaya added.

The NSC said the government is ready for any eventuality should China decide to take more aggressive actions against Philippine ships. Malaya did not disclose possible responses in case a Chinese ship tows the ‘Teresa Magbanua’ as part of Beijing’s “more aggressive moves.”

“We are prepared for any eventuality, and we're trying to resolve the issue through diplomatic means,” said Malaya.

Asked whether sending “gray ships” to the area is an option, Malaya did not comment.

“Mahirap kasi sa iyan na mahirap na i-telegraph natin yung mga actions natin baka paghandaan ng China. So no comment,” he said.

[Translation: It’s difficult because it’s hard to telegraph our actions; China might anticipate them. So, no comment]

But does “maintaining presence” mean a “permanent presence?” Malaya said these are two different matters.

“It's not a permanent presence in the sense na parang sinadsat natin yung ‘Teresa Magbanua’ or maglalagay tayo ng ano. What ‘Teresa Magbanua’ is doing there is protecting the national interest in the sense na meron kasing reports na possible reclamation activities. So nagbabantay lamang siya doon. So bago siya eh. So the ship may be withdrawn at any time,” Malaya said.

[Translation: It’s not a permanent presence in the sense that we’re not intentionally grounding (the) ‘Teresa Magbanua’ there or placing something else. What ‘Teresa Magbanua’ is doing there is protecting the national interest because there are reports of possible reclamation activities. So, it's just monitoring the situation there. It’s new, so the ship may be withdrawn at any time.]