PCG: China deploys 40 ships to obstruct PH mission in Sabina

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 40 Chinese ships, including three warships were deployed on Monday in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to obstruct the humanitarian mission of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) there.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said six China Coast Guard ships, three People’s Liberation Army-Navy warships, and 31 Chinese maritime militia vessels were deployed during the mission for BRP Teresa Magbanua.

Unfortunately, during this mission, the People’s Republic of China deployed excessive force,” Tarriela said in a statement.

READ: China ships ram, blast water at BFAR vessel

Some of these vessels blocked PCG ships BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engaño from coming closer to the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

”Such actions resulted in our two 44-meter multi-role response vessels being unable to safely deliver essential supplies, including a special ice cream treat from the Commandant in honor of National Heroes’ Day,” Tarriela said in a statement.

This latest incident is part of China’s aggressive actions in Escoda Shoal.

On Sunday (Aug. 25) CCG vessels blasted water cannons against a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel.

Last Aug. 19, BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Bacagay were subjected by CCG to what the PCG deem as aggressive maneuvers while traversing the waters off the shoal, damaging both ships.

READ: PH vessels rammed, harassed by China anew in West Philippine Sea – Malaya

Stop deploying maritime forces

Tarriela then urged CCG “to abide with the international law and stop deploying maritime forces that could undermine mutual respect, a universally recognized foundation for responsible and friendly relations among Coast Guards.”

“The PCG recognizes that white hulls are unique instruments of diplomacy that promotes peace and maintain harmony and stability in the region,” he said.

Manila maintains a persistent presence in Escoda Shoal following suspected reclamation activities there.

BRP Teresa Magbanua, which is the biggest PCG vessel, has been sent there since April 16, becoming the longest-deployed asset in the West Philippine Sea.

Beijing asserts sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by the arbitral award issued in July 2016. This landmark ruling stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013, or a year after its tense standoff with Beijing over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, whose lagoon the latter now has an effective control of.

Chinese publication Global Times also claimed that the Philippines is planning to send another vessel to build a “forward deployment base” in Escoda Shoal, a claim which Tarriela deemed as “unfounded.”

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