Manila Bulletin
It's China who should leave Escoda Shoal, Tolentino says
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) affirmed its presence in Escoda Shoal is lawful under international law, including the UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that the BRP Teresa Magbanua's deployment is to protect the country's sovereign rights and address illegal fishing, not to provoke conflict.
China's Foreign Ministry claimed the PCG vessel has been present without permission, infringing on its sovereignty, and has filed a formal protest with the Philippines.
Senator Francis Tolentino stated that China should be the one to leave Escoda Shoal as the Philippines is within its own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Tarriela countered that Escoda Shoal is within the Philippines' EEZ, giving PCG vessels the right to operate there without needing permission from any other country.
The PCG sent the BRP Teresa Magbanua to patrol the shoal on April 18 in response to suspected illegal dumping of corals, marking the longest deployment by the PCG in the West Philippine Sea.
Tolentino dismissed Chinese allegations and urged China to respect Philippine territory.
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China has lodged a formal protest with the Philippines over the prolonged presence of the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal.
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The China Coast Guard (CCG) alleged that two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, identified as No. 4410 and No. 4411, illegally entered waters near Xianbin Reef (Escoda Shoal) without permission.
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The Philippine government is considering filing a case against China following a collision incident near Escoda Shoal on August 19.
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Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, were involved in collisions with Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels due to aggressive maneuvers by the CCG near Sabina Shoal.
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The Philippines is considering filing a case against China before an international tribunal following recent ramming incidents involving two Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
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