For five months, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s largest and most advanced patrol vessels, stood as a sentinel in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In recent months, Chinese vessels repeatedly harassed Philippine ships, using water cannons and, in one instance, ramming the Magbanua, leading to significant damage.

Despite these provocations, the Philippines remains committed to patrolling the contested area. The Magbanua’s presence at the Escoda Shoal was a symbol of the nation’s defiance against Chinese aggression and its dedication to upholding its maritime rights.

Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, has become a flashpoint in the West Philippine Sea. It lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone, as defined by international law and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which China continues to ignore.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan made it clear that the return of the Magbanua was not a withdrawal but a necessary repositioning. “We did not withdraw. We repositioned the vessel,” he clarified.

“We will maintain our presence in all of our exclusive economic zones, including Escoda Shoal,” he emphasized.

According to the PCG, it will deploy one of its ships back to Escoda Shoal to replace the Magbanua, insisting that the Philippines has not lost the key low-tide elevation.

Daily confrontations

Lt. Cmdr. Efren Duran, commanding officer of the Magbanua, recounted the challenges his crew faced every day. “We dealt with Chinese ships every single day, monitoring and challenging them,” Duran told the media.

With supplies running low amid Chinese blockage in August, the crew stretched their food and water for weeks, relying on porridge and catching fish to supplement their meals. As the Magbanua approached Puerto Princesa City, the crew’s condition became clear. Four sailors were evacuated on stretchers due to dehydration and other medical issues.

Waiting ambulances transported them for further treatment, while the remaining crew was welcomed with a celebratory “boodle fight” feast — a moment of relief and celebration after months of isolation, danger, and sacrifice.

Philippine Coast Guard’s commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan (left) welcomes the BRP Teresa Magbanua crew, praising commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Efren Duran and his team for their bravery and dedication in defending the West Philippine Sea.

The crew of BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) was welcomed in Palawan on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, after completing a five-month deployment at Escoda Shoal.

Looking ahead

The return of the BRP Teresa Magbanua marked the end of one episode in the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to protect its maritime sovereignty.

After repairs and resupply, she will be ready to resume her mission alongside other Philippine Coast Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines assets.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who also serves as the chairman of the National Maritime Council (NMC), remains optimistic about the ship’s future role in defending the country.

“After she has been resupplied and repaired, and her crew recharged, she will be in tiptop shape to resume her mission,” he said.

For now, the Magbanua and her crew can rest, knowing they have fulfilled their duty to their country. But the challenges in the West Philippine Sea remain, and the next chapter in this maritime struggle is yet to be written.

Meanwhile, China has issued a statement asserting that its actions against Philippine vessels were lawful.

“China took control measures on the No. 9701 ship in accordance with the law, and the Philippines’ repeated attempts to organize forced replenishment failed,” said China Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun.

Chinese forces have consistently blocked Filipino efforts to resupply the Magbanua since it was stationed at Sabina Shoal to counter China’s territorial claims.

Marcos Jr orders continuous monitoring in Escoda Shoal 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed authorities to maintain a strong presence in Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, according to NMC on September 16. 

NMC spokesperson Alexander Lopez said the directive following the return of BRP Teresa Magbanua to Palawan after deployment. He emphasized that the President’s order prioritizes continuous monitoring of Escoda Shoal, employing strategies beyond the deployment of a single ship. 

Lopez also dispelled concerns about the ship’s departure, explaining that the government’s monitoring efforts remain intact. 

“The area is as vast as the cities of Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, and Manila combined, and we are not limited to a single vessel to cover it,” he noted. 

Lopez clarified that the presence in the area includes the use of planes, technical surveillance, and support from allies. He further assured that the PCG is already preparing to deploy a replacement for the Magbanua to maintain the country’s presence in the region.

All photos credit: PCG

Top photo: Sailors on the BRP Teresa Magbanua.