NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippines Holds Strategic Presence At Escoda Shoal Despite BRP Teresa Magbanua's Withdrawal
Photo credit: PCG
Even after the BRP Teresa Magbanua has pulled out from the Escoda Shoal, the Philippines' strategic presence in the area remains strong, according to National Maritime Council spokesperson, retired Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez.
In a briefing on Monday, Lopez clarified that maintaining presence doesn't solely rely on physical ships in the area. “Ang directive ni Pangulo ay i-maintain natin ‘yung ating presence,” he told the Malacañang Press Corps, explaining that the term "presence" goes beyond simply having a ship on-site.
"Kapag sinabing presence, strategic presence iyon di lang physical presence. I just want to clear that kapag sinabi natin presence, magpapadala lang ng isang barko, sinabi ko nga kanina napakalaki ng lugar,” Lopez elaborated, emphasizing that monitoring and protecting the area involve much more than a single vessel.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua, which had been deployed at Escoda Shoal for over five months, returned to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on Sunday. This withdrawal follows an incident where the ship was rammed by a China Coast Guard vessel while patrolling the shoal.
Despite the ship's departure, Lopez assured the public that the Philippines is not backing down on its claim over the area, which is part of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "Kasi ang iniisip natin dahil umalis iyon ay ginive-up na natin. Hindi. Mali ‘yung ganoon pananaw. Wala tayong gini-give up,” he firmly stated.
The Philippines continues to monitor the shoal through various means, including reconnaissance missions using aircraft and technical support from allies like the United States, Japan, and Australia. Lopez explained that even with the BRP Teresa Magbanua’s withdrawal, a single ship equipped with radar can efficiently monitor the area, supported by additional Navy and Coast Guard assets.
Lopez also mentioned that once the weather improves, the Philippine Coast Guard will deploy personnel to the shoal, ensuring that the country’s strategic presence in the West Philippine Sea remains steady. "These are the modalities na puwede din gawin para ma-cover di lang ‘yung Escoda, but the whole West Philippine Sea for that matter,” he added.
This development underscores the Philippines' continued commitment to asserting its territorial rights and securing its maritime interests, despite external challenges.
In a briefing on Monday, Lopez clarified that maintaining presence doesn't solely rely on physical ships in the area. “Ang directive ni Pangulo ay i-maintain natin ‘yung ating presence,” he told the Malacañang Press Corps, explaining that the term "presence" goes beyond simply having a ship on-site.
"Kapag sinabing presence, strategic presence iyon di lang physical presence. I just want to clear that kapag sinabi natin presence, magpapadala lang ng isang barko, sinabi ko nga kanina napakalaki ng lugar,” Lopez elaborated, emphasizing that monitoring and protecting the area involve much more than a single vessel.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua, which had been deployed at Escoda Shoal for over five months, returned to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on Sunday. This withdrawal follows an incident where the ship was rammed by a China Coast Guard vessel while patrolling the shoal.
Despite the ship's departure, Lopez assured the public that the Philippines is not backing down on its claim over the area, which is part of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "Kasi ang iniisip natin dahil umalis iyon ay ginive-up na natin. Hindi. Mali ‘yung ganoon pananaw. Wala tayong gini-give up,” he firmly stated.
The Philippines continues to monitor the shoal through various means, including reconnaissance missions using aircraft and technical support from allies like the United States, Japan, and Australia. Lopez explained that even with the BRP Teresa Magbanua’s withdrawal, a single ship equipped with radar can efficiently monitor the area, supported by additional Navy and Coast Guard assets.
Lopez also mentioned that once the weather improves, the Philippine Coast Guard will deploy personnel to the shoal, ensuring that the country’s strategic presence in the West Philippine Sea remains steady. "These are the modalities na puwede din gawin para ma-cover di lang ‘yung Escoda, but the whole West Philippine Sea for that matter,” he added.
This development underscores the Philippines' continued commitment to asserting its territorial rights and securing its maritime interests, despite external challenges.
Sep 17, 2024
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
