PCG sends BRP Teresa Magbanua to intensify monitoring against China’s illegal acts on Escoda Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of its largest patrol vessels, to keep a close eye on the reported illegal activities of China on Escoda Shoal—a sandbank located just 75 nautical miles from the coastline of Palawan.

In a news release on Sunday, Malacañang said this was done to intensify the Philippines’ vigilance in the area amid China’s brazen attempt at creating artificial islands by destroying coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea . According to PCG spokesman for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela, two smaller patrol vessles—BRP Cabra and BRP Malabrigo—have also been doing rotational deployment on the same area to help the government document Beijing’s alarming expansionist agenda.

Tarriela said that they have monitored a total of 34 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels on Escoda Shoal with the People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels and helicopters and four other China Coast Guard vessels. What the PCG is “extensively monitoring,” Tarriela said, are the three Chinese Research vessels, including its “mother boat” that receive data and information from two small boats swarming around Escoda Shoal apparently conducting exploratory activities.Tarriela said that they have already sent rigid hull inflatable boats to intercept, or at least get closer to the Chinese vessels.

Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Former President Duterte denies agreement with China on BRP Sierra Madre maintenanceFormer President Rodrigo Duterte's cabinet member denies any agreement with China regarding the maintenance of BRP Sierra Madre, which is aground in the Ayungin Shoal. The cabinet member dismisses claims of a 'gentleman's agreement' and suggests it is a publicity stunt.
Source: gmanews - 🏆 11. / 68 Read more »

Restore BRP Sierra MadreTHE landmark US-Philippines-Japan summit was held last week in Washington, D.C. It took place even as tensions in the South China Sea continued to mount. In this meeting, US President Biden reiterated, for the nth time, the US' unequivocal commitment to its Pacific allies.
Source: TheManilaTimes - 🏆 2. / 92 Read more »

PCG joins coastal defense exerciseTHE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) took part in the Balikatan joint military exercises for the first time Monday, with two ships joining live-fire coastal defense training in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Source: TheManilaTimes - 🏆 2. / 92 Read more »

PCG advises public: Don't believe China remarks on Ayungin ShoalThe Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday advised the public to refrain from believing China’s statements regarding Ayungin Shoal.
Source: gmanews - 🏆 11. / 68 Read more »

PBBM to PCG: Turn the other cheek, as US-Ph forces repel ‘invasion’Defining the News
Source: MlaStandard - 🏆 20. / 55 Read more »

PCG: We don't want Filipino fishermen to be force multipliers in WPSThe Philippine Coast Guard on Monday said it would not compromise the safety of the Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea just to increase the presence of the Filipino forces in the area amid Chinese presence.
Source: gmanews - 🏆 11. / 68 Read more »