The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has been deployed to Escoda Shoal to protect the country’s sovereign rights and combat illegal fishing so as not to provoke tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson, clarified that the deployment is consistent with the Philippines’ rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award.
He criticized China for citing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, noting China’s violations and aggressive actions.
Tarriela emphasized that the PCG’s presence aims to safeguard Philippine waters and address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua, a key asset in the PCG fleet, was sent in response to China’s expansionist activities in the region.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 19, 2024
