No plans to run aground BRP Teresa Magbanua - PCG By Tristan Nodalo

Metro Manila, Philippines— The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) refuted claims that the BRP Teresa Magbanua would be permanently stationed in one of the maritime features in the West Philippine Sea like that of BRP Sierra Madre, amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China.

BRP Teresa Magbanua has been deployed to Escoda Shoal or internationally called Sabina Shoal.

Beijing previously accused the Philippines of bringing a large amount of supplies and even suspected construction materials indicating its intention to eventually establish a permanent facility at Escoda Shoal, according to a China state-run Global Times report.

The shoal is 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’s unlikely that the Teresa Magbanua will follow that of World War II warship BRP Sierra Madre which was run aground in Ayungin Shoal.

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

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

[Translate: So common sense would dictate that if he does it, it outweighs the expenses that we would incur.]

Tarriela said after the ramming over the weekend in Escoda Shoal, the government plans to maintain presence in the area.

“We will not withdraw in Escoda Shoal unless otherwise there will be another replacement vessel on the part of the Philippine Coast Guard,” said Tarriela.

The Chinese Coast Guard accused the Philippines of creating hotspots in the South China Sea and urged the country to withdraw what it called “illegally stranded vessel” from Escoda Shoal.

“We once again tell the Philippine side to face up to reality, give up illusions, and withdraw immediately,” the CCG said in a statement.

Allies back PH in upholding international law

The United States slammed the series of dangerous and escalatory actions of China in the South China Sea.

“On multiple occasions throughout August 2024, the PRC has aggressively disrupted lawful Philippine aerial and maritime operations in the South China Sea, including at Sabina Shoal. The PRC’s unlawful claims of ‘territorial sovereignty’ over ocean areas where no land territory exists, and its increasingly aggressive actions to enforce them, threaten the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all nations,” the US State Department said in a statement.

The European Union (EU) has called for the de-escalation of tensions in the South China Sea.

“The EU condemns all unlawful, escalatory and coercive actions that undermine these principles of international law and threaten peace and stability in the region,” the EU said in a statement.

Australia joined the Philippines in calling out China’s “unacceptable actions.”

The EU condemns all unlawful, escalatory and coercive actions that undermine these principles of international law and threaten peace and stability in the region.

“Australia calls for restraint and reiterates that the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and legally binding on both parties,” the Australian Foreign Ministry said.