NMC: BRP Teresa Magbanua departed Sabina Shoal after 'mission accomplished'

The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Sunday confirmed that BRP Teresa Magbanua has left Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda Shoal, after finishing its mission there for five long months.

NMC chairperson Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that the “repositioning” of BRP Teresa Magbanua — the largest vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) — will pave the way to address the medical needs of some of its crew members, undergo necessary repairs, and allow the crew to take time off and be with their loved ones.

“After more than five months at sea, where she carried out her sentinel duties against overwhelming odds, BRP Teresa Magbanua is now sailing back to her homeport with her mission accomplished,” Bersamin said in a statement.

“During her deployment at Escoda Shoal, she challenged an encirclement by a larger flotilla of intruders, battled inclement weather, with her crew surviving on diminished daily provisions. What made this possible is the determination and dedication of the men and women on board, who crewed her in the finest tradition of our Philippine Coast Guard sailors, and in honor of the heroine for whom she was named," he added.

The Executive Secretary said that BRP Teresa Magbanua will “resume her mission as defenders of our sovereignty,” after it has been resupplied, repaired, and her crew recharged.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at the Port of Puerto Princesa in Palawan early afternoon on Sunday with hungry, dehydrated crew.

The USNI News earlier reported that BRP Teresa Magbanua was tracked by AIS data posted on social media leaving Sabina Shoal on Friday then sailing in the Sulu Sea.

The PCG ship has been stationed at the Sabina Shoal since April this year amid reports of China’s reclamation activities in the area.

On August 31, a CCG vessel "intentionally" and repeatedly rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua at Sabina Shoal, punching a hole on the ship's hull that was large enough for a person to go through.

Sabina Shoal is located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan and is considered within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. —KG, GMA Integrated News