Philippine Coast Guard resumes patrol in disputed shoal

[Cookie2122]

The National Security Council (NSC) has reported that PCG ship was now patrolling off Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. NSC spokesman Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya rebutted claims that the Philippines has surrendered its territorial control on Escoda after the withdrawal of another PCG ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, early this month. The Teresa Magbanua had to sail back to its home port in Palawan to resupply and to repair the damage to the vessel after it was rammed by a bigger China Coast Guard (CCG) ship last August. Malaya said that National Security Adviser Eduardo Año made it clear that there would be a relief ship for the Teresa Magbanua. Escoda Shoal is 75 nautical miles from Palawan and is well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Also on Thursday, media outlets in Tokyo reported that a Japanese warship cruised through the Taiwan Strait for the first time to assert its freedom of navigation. The ship made the passage a week after a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan. Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the reports at a regular briefing because they concern military operations. The United States and its allies are increasingly crossing the 180-kilometer Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering China. The Sazanami destroyer made the unprecedented passage on Wednesday, several media outlets said. Military vessels from New Zealand and Australia also sailed through the fiercely contested waterway on the same day, Wellington's defense ministry said on Thursday.​

 

[itsmeyanna]

It’s good to see the PCG ship patrolling off Escoda Shoal! It sounds like there’s been a lot of activity in the West Philippine Sea lately, especially with all the movements from other countries too. I totally understand the concerns about territorial control—it's such a tricky situation. It’s reassuring to know that a relief ship is on the way for the Teresa Magbanua; I hope it gets the repairs it needs soon! Let’s hope for peaceful waters ahead!

 

[redvelvetjoy]

This is such an important and tense situation. It’s good to hear that the PCG is back at Escoda Shoal, asserting the Philippines’ rights in its own waters. The reports about the Japanese warship are also really significant—it shows a growing commitment to freedom of navigation in the region. With everything happening, it's crucial for countries to stand together and protect their territories. Hope we continue to see strong action on this front!

 

[Tomoyo Chan]

Glad to see that the Philippines hasn't backed down in asserting its territorial rights, even after such an incident with the CCG.

 

[Kurt]

I still hope that every country involved in this tension can come into an equal agreement favorable to all.