PH conveys ‘displeasure’ to China over latest Escoda Shoal ramming; PCG to deploy another ship

Metro Manila, Philippines—The Philippine government has expressed its “displeasure” at China over the latest ramming at Escoda Shoal within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Teresa Magbanua suffered damage after a Chinese Coast Guard vessel rammed it three times at the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Teresa Magbanua has been on “extended patrol” in the area since April in the wake of reports of Chinese activities at the shoal.“We have made the necessary approaches to China through various means to express our complaints and displeasure,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in an interview with reporters on Monday.Manalo added that Manila has also raised concerns over rising tensions in Escoda Shoal. However, he did not say whether a diplomatic protest had been filed or if the new hotline between the Philippines and China was tapped in light of the incident.

PCG to send another vessel to Escoda Shoal

The PCG announced that it will deploy another vessel to assess the condition of Teresa Magbanua following the ramming.The Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5205 directly hit the port bow, starboard quarter, and port beam in three instances.“The plan is to ensure that another coast guard vessel is deployed to evaluate the structural damages to the Teresa Magbanua and, hopefully, to support the repair of the vessel before it sails back to Palawan, assuming it is replaced by another Coast Guard vessel,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG West Philippine Sea spokesperson, told NewsWatch Plus.Tarriela did not disclose details about the replacement ship.“As the commandant has committed to the president, despite the bullying and escalatory actions of the Chinese Coast Guard, BRP Teresa Magbanua will not withdraw from Escoda Shoal unless a replacement vessel from the Philippine Coast Guard is deployed,” said Tarriela.Tarriela said the ship was deployed in April to monitor Chinese activities in the shoal.“The main reasons why the Chinese government is agitated by the presence of the Teresa Magbanua are: first, it has been there for an extended period; second, they obviously do not want a coast guard vessel documenting their activities; and third, strategically, Escoda Shoal is crucial for defense,” said Tarriela.He said the shoal serves as a meeting point of Philippine ships ahead of a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.