Over 60 Chinese ships spotted at Escoda after PCG's pullout

MANILA, September 18 ------ More than 60 Chinese vessels were observed loitering at Escoda Shoal, following the Philippines' pullout of its coast guard ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, over the weekend. The Chinese ships spotted at Escoda Shoal include 52 maritime militia vessels, 5 coast guard ships, and 4 People’s Liberation Army Navy ships, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo. 

Trinidad emphasized that China does not control Escoda despite the Philippines' recent pullout, noting that Manila continues to monitor the area through another form of “presence.” “Presence is not only defined as physical presence,” the official said. “There are a range of different capabilities—sea-based, air-based, or space-based—that we are developing with our partners and allies to monitor not only Escoda but the entire West Philippine Sea.” 

Commodore Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, earlier said that the adverse weather conditions were the primary reason for the Magbanua’s return to its homeport. Trinidad added that the current sea conditions are dangerous for any vessel. However, China’s control of Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef), where it has a military base, allows their ships to immediately seek shelter as needed. 

Escoda Shoal is approximately 60 nautical miles from Panganiban Reef in a straight line and about 70 nautical miles from Palawan, according to Trinidad. Both Escoda and Panganiban are part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. “Overall in the West Philippine Sea, at this time of the year, ito ‘yong panahon na malakas ‘yong alon. Our ships are dictated by the weather conditions,” he said. 

Trinidad assured that the Philippine military is committed to protecting the country’s maritime features. “We still perform our mandate. Hindi ito patintero na naharangan ka, hindi ka makapasok. Hindi naman ito base sa pagbabawalan kang pumasok. In the first place, the presence of the CCG, the PLA Navy, and the maritime militia was in reaction to our increased attention given to Escoda Shoal,” Trinidad said. 

The Philippine Coast Guard and the National Maritime Council have assured that the Philippines will deploy new vessel to Escoda Shoal. 

Source: news.abs-cbn.com