President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the military to maintain a strategic presence in Escoda Shoal, despite the recent pullout of the BRP Teresa Magbanua.
National Maritime Council spokesman Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez clarified that maintaining presence includes various methods beyond physical ships, such as radar and aerial surveillance, and may involve assistance from allies like the U.S., Japan, and Australia.
The withdrawal of Teresa Magbanua, who required return for humanitarian reasons, does not signify a loss of control or abandonment of the shoal, as other monitoring and maritime domain awareness methods continue.
The Philippine Coast Guard plans to deploy another vessel to the area once conditions improve.
Despite China’s claims of sovereignty and aggressive actions, the Philippines remains committed to asserting its rights and presence in the region.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 17, 2024
