The Sangguniang Panlalawigan commended the crew of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua for completing its five-month deployment in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea and returning to Puerto Princesa City on Sunday, September 15.
During the ship’s five-month deployment in Escoda Shoal, BRP Teresa Magbanua and its crew faced constant harassment from China Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia vessels that obstructed the resupply mission, unfavorable weather conditions, and being intentionally rammed by a CCG vessel several times on August 31.
The ship’s crew’s bravery and efforts “deserve our highest commendation,” Board Member Ryan Maminta stated in his privilege speech during their regular session last Tuesday, September 17.
“However, despite their dedication, they need to return to Puerto Princesa in order to send some crew to a hospital who needs medical attention and fix the damages from the ramming,” Maminta said.
When the ship arrived at the Puerto Princesa City dock, four of its crew members were promptly sent to the hospital.
He did, however, point out that keeping Escoda Shoal unattended increases the danger that China will seek to expand on the territory again.
He urged national government entities to promptly dispatch another vessel to the area, and if possible, other vessels, stating that the mission in Escoda Shoal is far from over.
“We cannot afford to lose this area and we must not allow China to further encroach upon our territory,” he said.
He added that the BRP Teresa Magbanua and its crew should not be overlooked.
“I believe that through our joint and cooperative efforts,we will be able to maintain our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. Let us be vigilant, let us be resolute, and let us act swiftly,” he concluded
In support of Maminta, Board Member Ariston Arzaga suggested that they encourage not only the PCG but also the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to organize and continue fishing activities in WPS.
Board Member Winston Arzaga, on the other hand, remarked that the national government must take a more active posture to demonstrate resolution in preserving the country’s boundaries, given that China has repeatedly harassed Philippine warships.
“I think there is a need to finally define what is an armed attack on our vessels and there is a need for the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) board to define what it is. In other words, what is the threshold for such an attack to make the Philippine government to cal for the immediate implementation of the MDT,” Arzaga said.
In addition, he pointed out that MaryKay Carlson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, has expressed the view that it is now justifiable to request allies to accompany the nation’s ships during resupply operations.
Maurice Philip Alexis Albayda, a member of the Kalayaan Sangguniang Bayan, submitted a resolution declaring the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua and its crew as the recipients of the highest commendation for their exceptional service in Escoda Shoal, in Kalayaan.
Albayda stated that the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalayaan acknowledges the significant contributions made by the PCG to the security and welfare of our country. The PCG vessel and its crew effectively concluded a five-month deployment in Escoda Shoal, showcasing a steadfast dedication to preserving the territorial integrity of the nation and safeguarding the interests of the people.
“The crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua exhibited exceptional courage, dedication, and professionalism throughout their deployment, overcoming numerous challenges and making significant contributions to the community,” he stated in his resolution, which was referred to the Sangguniang Bayan’s Committee on Good Governance.
