BRP Teresa Magbanua leaves Sabina Shoal after 5-month patrol, stand-off with China

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua left Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, on Saturday, concluding its five-month "extended patrol" in the contested area.

“BRP Teresa Magbanua is now sailing back to her homeport with her mission accomplished,” said National Maritime Council Chairperson and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in a statement on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Bersamin highlighted several challenges faced during the extended patrol, including a "large flotilla of intruders," adverse weather conditions, and dwindling provisions for the crew.

“This repositioning will allow the Magbanua to address the medical needs of some of her crew, undergo necessary repairs, and give the crew a much-needed furlough and reunion with their loved ones,” Bersamin added.

There is no confirmation yet whether BRP Teresa Magbanua will return to Escoda Shoal, or if another ship will take its place.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) lauded its officers who had been deployed for months for their service to the nation.

“Their steadfast presence has played a crucial role in countering illegal activities that threaten our marine environment and thwarting attempts by other state actors to engage in surreptitious reclamation in the area,” the PCG said in a statement.

“The PCG acknowledges the unwavering patriotism, unshakeable bravery, dedication, and unparalleled professionalism of our personnel on board BRP Teresa Magbanua, as they carried out and performed their mission in Escoda Shoal even in dangerous and adverse operational conditions,” it added.

‘Illegally stranded’

China claims BRP Teresa Magbanua has been “illegally stranded” at what they call their Xianbin Reef.

Despite the Philippines having sovereign rights in the maritime area, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) said Manila’s actions have “seriously violated” Beijing’s sovereignty.

“[T]he Chinese side took control measures against the 9701 vessel in accordance with the law, and the Philippine side failed in several attempts to organize forcible transportation and replenishment,” CCG spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a separate statement.

“We are urging the Philippines to stop inciting hype and risky infringements, and to work with China in the same direction to uphold the seriousness and validity of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” he added.

The withdrawal comes on the heels of a bilateral meeting between the Philippines and China in Beijing, where both countries maintained their positions on the contested shoal.

During the meeting, the Chinese side reiterated its demand for the Philippines to withdraw the ship from the area.

In a previous NewsWatch Plus interview, National Security Council Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya stated that the Philippines remains committed to maintaining its presence at the shoal.

“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 working on marine preservation and monitoring fisheries in that area. These are acts of a sovereign country, and we are committed to keeping the ship there,” Malaya explained.

BRP Teresa Magbanua is not the next BRP Sierra Madre

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) refuted claims that the BRP Teresa Magbanua would be permanently stationed at one of the maritime features in the West Philippine Sea, similar to the BRP Sierra Madre, despite rising tensions between the Philippines and China.

Beijing had earlier accused the Philippines of transporting a large quantity of supplies, including suspected construction materials, indicating a possible intention to establish a permanent facility at Escoda Shoal, according to a report from the state-run *Global Times*.

Escoda Shoal is located just 75 nautical miles, or 139 kilometers, from mainland Palawan.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said it was unlikely that BRP Teresa Magbanua would meet the same fate as the World War II-era warship BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded at Ayungin Shoal.

“Teresa Magbanua is the largest coast guard vessel of the Philippines, and it is the most expensive vessel we have. So, that's very difficult (to run it aground). It's almost impossible,” said Tarriela.

“So, common sense would dictate na kung gagawin niya, it outweighs yung gastos na gagawin natin,” he added.

[Translation: So, common sense would dictate that if this were to be done, it would outweigh the costs we would incur.]

Tarriela emphasized that after the ramming incident at Escoda Shoal last month, the government remains firm on maintaining its presence in the area.

“We will not withdraw from Escoda Shoal unless another Philippine Coast Guard vessel replaces the BRP Teresa Magbanua,” he said.

The Chinese Coast Guard has accused the Philippines of escalating tensions in the South China Sea and called for the withdrawal of what it termed "illegally stranded vessels" from Escoda Shoal.

“We once again tell the Philippine side to face reality, abandon illusions, and withdraw immediately,” the Chinese Coast Guard said in a statement.