MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard earned the ire of China once again after the latter saw an increased presence of PCG ships patrolling waters off the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal on Monday.
According to PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela, three 44-meter MRRVs with hull numbers 4402, 4404 and 4409 joined BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal following their successfully completed resupply missions at various maritime features in the area, “it was truly an exceptional occurrence in the West Philippine Sea yesterday, as four PCG vessels were nestled together, creating a remarkable sight.”
However this move was met with suspicion from the world power reiterating its position that it was Manila who continuously provokes Beijing by illegally establishing a facility let alone resupplying troops stationed in the disputed waters.
Citing supposed on-site images obtained by Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times, it reported that apart from transporting essentials like fresh water, fuel and food, “the Philippines has also attempted to deliver building materials, suspected to be cement, to the illegally stationed Philippine Coast Guard ship at Xianbin Jiao.”
“These actions by the Philippines warrant high vigilance,” the report said.
Meanwhile Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, downplayed the statements made by the Chinese tabloid.
“We can do anything that we wish to within our exclusive economic zone,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.
“Suffice it to say, we will continue ensuring the integrity of our territory,” he also said.
The shoal is 139 kilometers (75 nautical miles) from the coast of Palawan province.
In response to growing Chinese militia vessels as well as suspected reclamation activities in the area, the PCG has deployed its most modern vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
Escoda Shoal serves as the assembly point of Philippine vessels off for resupply missions to
Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal where fishermen and troops were frequently harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard.
