PH’s BRP Teresa Magbanua leaves Sabina Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has left Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, according to a report by USNI News on Friday. The ship, which was tracked via AIS data, was seen leaving the shoal and sailing toward the Sulu Sea.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua had been stationed at Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda Shoal, since April 15. Filipino authorities have yet to confirm the report.

In May, the PCG reported the discovery of crushed corals dumped near Sabina Shoal, similar to those found at Sandy Cay. Marine biologists have suggested these could be linked to China’s island-building activities in the region.

The PCG previously expressed concern that the crushed coral deposits might indicate China’s preparation for reclamation activities at Sabina Shoal, located closer to Palawan than the contested Ayungin Shoal. The Philippine Navy even deployed a warship to the area in response to these reports.

The PCG vowed to maintain its presence in the West Philippine Sea to prevent China’s reclamation efforts at Sabina Shoal. Meanwhile, last June, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted military exercises near the area, and a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, known as “The Monster,” was deployed to intimidate the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

The PCG also encountered several dangerous maneuvers by CCG vessels in August while delivering supplies to Patag and Lawak Islands. These incidents caused damage to PCG vessels, with China accusing the PCG of illegally entering the area.

By August 31, tensions escalated when a CCG vessel deliberately rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua, causing significant damage to the ship’s hull.

Diplomatic discussions between Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong in Beijing on September 11 did not result in a resolution. However, both sides agreed to explore ways to avoid further confrontations.

Sabina Shoal, located about 75 nautical miles off Palawan, is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701) has been deployed to Escoda (Sabina) Shoal to prevent alleged attempt by China to build another artificial island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a PCG official.

BRP Teresa Magbanua is the biggest ship of the Philippine coastguard.