MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) proudly commends the Officers and men aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701) who have been deployed at Escoda Shoal for over five months. Their steadfast presence has played a crucial role in countering illegal activities that threaten our marine environment and thwarting attempts by other state actors to engage in surreptitious reclamation in the area.
While committed to her mission at Escoda Shoal, BRP Teresa Magbanua was compelled to return to port due to unfavorable weather conditions, depleted supplies of daily necessities, and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care. This has been further complicated by the structural damage to the vessel resulting from the deliberate ramming by the China Coast Guard on August 31, 2024.
The PCG acknowledges the unwavering patriotism, unshakeable bravery, dedication, and unparalleled professionalism of our personnel on board BRP Teresa Magbanua, as they carried out and performed their mission in Escoda Shoal even in dangerous and adverse operational conditions.
The PCG is firmly committed and determined in protecting the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, including in Escoda Shoal that lies well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award. (PCG)
