A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel has taken over patrolling duties at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, replacing the BRP Teresa Magbanua, a National Security Council (NSC) official confirmed on Thursday.
NSC spokesperson Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya stated that while they could not disclose the specific ship or its exact location in the West Philippine Sea, the new Coast Guard vessel is actively monitoring the area.
"There is a Coast Guard vessel patrolling Escoda Shoal to ensure no illegal activities or reclamations occur," Malaya said in a television interview.
This comes after the BRP Teresa Magbanua was withdrawn due to issues with seaworthiness, a shortage of supplies, and poor weather conditions. The ship had been stationed at Escoda Shoal since April amid reports of China's reclamation efforts in the area.
Escoda Shoal, located 75 nautical miles off Palawan, falls within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Despite this, China has claimed sovereignty over the area and previously called for the removal of the Philippine vessel, citing violations of its territorial rights.
The South China Sea, a vital shipping route with more than $3 trillion in annual commerce, remains a point of tension between China and neighboring countries, including the Philippines, which won a 2016 international arbitration ruling rejecting China's claims. China, however, has not recognized the ruling.
No comments:
Post a Comment