PCG affirms Philippines' rights over Escoda Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday reaffirmed that Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea falls within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) based on international law.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, dismissed China's formal protest over the presence of the BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal as unfounded and reiterated that the vessel has a right to operate there without seeking permission from any other country.

Tarriela cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral award in support of the Philippines' legal standing over Escoda Shoal, which China claims as part of its Nansha Islands.

China's Foreign Ministry accused the BRP Teresa Magbanua of infringing on Chinese sovereignty by entering the lagoon of Xianbin Jiao without permission, while Tarriela countered that Beijing has not honored or followed provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

The PCG's deployment of a vessel to Escoda Shoal since April is aimed at protecting and safeguarding the Philippines' sovereign rights over these waters against illegal poaching and environmental damage, despite Chinese naval assets being deployed there.

Tarriela urged Beijing to adhere to international agreements and cease deploying large Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia in the area, which he said undermines stability and escalates tensions.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada also backed the PCG's stance, insisting that the BRP Teresa Magbanua has a right to be stationed there as it falls within the Philippines' EEZ.