BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), the biggest ship of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has been deployed to Escoda (Sabina) Shoal to prevent alleged attempt by China to build another artificial island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a PCG official. The 97-meter multi-role response vessel has been guarding the shoal for 26 days already as of Saturday, May 11, said PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela. BRP Teresa Magbanua was deployed to the shoal on April 18 upon the orders of PCG Commandant, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, when PCG and marine scientific experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) noticed the dumping of dead and crushed corals on the sandbars of Escoda Shoal, as if there was an attempt to build an elevated feature resembling a small island.

Sadongdong, M. (2024, May 12). PCG deploys biggest ship to defend Escoda Shoal. Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 8.