MANILA — The Philippines has voiced serious concerns following a collision involving a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and the Philippine Coast Guard’s largest ship, BRP Teresa Magbanua, near Escoda Shoal, about 75 nautical miles from Palawan. The incident occurred on Saturday, intensifying tensions in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, spokesperson for the National Maritime Council, the China Coast Guard vessel 5205 rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua multiple times. This aggressive maneuver caused damage to the Philippine vessel’s bridge wing and freeboard, although no crew injuries were reported. Following the incident, the damaged ship remained anchored within Sabina Shoal.
The encounter began early Saturday when the BRP Teresa Magbanua lifted its anchor with intentions to patrol around Escoda Shoal. The Chinese vessel engaged in a series of ramming attacks at different angles, a dangerous action that has drawn international condemnation.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, detailed the events, including the presence of other Chinese vessels and maritime militia surrounding the BRP Teresa Magbanua before and during the incident. Drone footage presented to the press showed the extent of the surrounding Chinese maritime presence.
Vice Admiral Lopez criticized China’s presence in the area as illegal, citing the location well within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and backed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea. He stated that the Philippine Coast Guard was lawfully exercising its sovereign rights over Escoda Shoal.
The United States has also responded, with Ambassador MaryKay Carlson condemning the ramming as a violation of international law and a dangerous act. “We stand with the Philippines in upholding international law,” Carlson stated, reinforcing international support for the Philippines amidst these maritime confrontations.