China vessels shadow PCG ship at Sabina Shoal

A Chinese Coast Guard vessel and two Chinese maritime militia vessels reportedly shadowed and sailed around the BRP Teresa Magbanua at the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal,  according to the latest monitoring of the SeaLight security think tank.

In Mav Gonzales’ 24 Oras Weekend report, Sealight Director Ray Powell said the Chinese vessels have come closer to the BRP  Teresa Magbanua in the past few days.

“They seem to be interested in what it (BRP Teresa Magbanua) is doing there and trying to intimidate it. To  be in the shoal is really the closest shoal to Palawan, so for China to take the opportunity and try to lay ownership to it is alarming,” Powell said.  

The Philippine Coast Guard deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua to monitor the alleged creation of artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea by first dumping crushed coral.

Powell said stationing the BRP Teresa Magbanua at the Sabina Shoal was a good move since the number of Chinese vessels in the area was increasing.

“Whatever it is that they're up to, it is clear they don't like the idea that  Teresa Magbanua is there watching them,” Powell said. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/DVM, GMA Integrated News