MANILA, Philippines — Despite the withdrawal of BRP Teresa Magbanua from the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will continue to deploy its ships in the disputed area.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, made this pronouncement on Monday.
“These are operational details. But one thing I can report to the public is that the PCG will continue to deploy vessels in Escoda Shoal,” Tarriela said in a press conference.
“We have not lost anything,” he emphasized, vowing that “there will be a coast guard presence at Escoda Shoal” after the withdrawal of its flagship vessel from the reef.
After more than five months, the BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived at port in Puerto Princesa, Palawan from Escoda Shoal on Sunday.