Philippines Replaces Warship that China Claims was Withdrawn "Under Pressure"

The Philippine Navy has replaced the warship BRP Teresa Magbanua in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with another vessel, amid China's claim that the ship was withdrawn under pressure from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

The replacement vessel has been deployed to an undisclosed location to prevent any aggressive maneuvers by the CCG, National Maritime Council spokesperson Alexander Lopez said during a press conference on September 21.

The Teresa Magbanua was stationed at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal before being replaced as part of an "operational adjustment" in the WPS, according to Lopez. He emphasized that the government has learned from past encounters with Chinese vessels. "It's better for them to guess where the ship is because if they know, they will go there. It's like a magnet. So, that is our approach," he said. Lopez added that withholding location details helps maintain strategic advantages and prevents adversaries from planning counteractions.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had deployed a new vessel to Escoda Shoal following the departure of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the Philippines' largest ships. Due to bad weather, the new vessel is sheltering at an undisclosed location.

Lopez refrained from revealing whether the new vessel was anchored or patrolling, but noted that operations cover a wide area, including Escoda Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, and other parts of the WPS. He underscored the importance of monitoring illegal activities and ensuring maritime security.

A combination of assets from both the PCG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been deployed to the area. These units are tasked with conducting patrols, gathering intelligence, and documenting any unlawful activities by foreign entities in Philippine waters.

This development comes a week after the Philippine vessel, that had spent months anchored at a disputed reef in the South China Sea, left the area. The BRP Teresa Magbanua had been stationed at Sabina Shoal since April to assert Manila's claims to the area and to prevent China from seizing it.

Beijing continues to press its claims over almost the entire South China Sea, despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis.

Philippine and Chinese vessels have collided at least three times recently near Sabina Shoal, which is located 140 kilometers (86 miles) from the Philippines' western island of Palawan and 1,200 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.

The Teresa Magbanua sustained damage to its bridge wing and freeboard in one of the collisions. During its deployment, the ship faced encirclement by a larger flotilla of foreign vessels, battled harsh weather, and its crew survived on reduced provisions. Last month, Chinese vessels blocked a resupply mission to the Filipino sailors on board, leaving them critically low on food and supplies.

In response to Manila's actions, Chinese spokesperson Liu Dejun issued a statement saying that the Philippines had "seriously infringed on China's territorial sovereignty... seriously undermining regional peace and stability." Liu further warned the Philippines to stop what he called "provocative propaganda" and to meet China halfway to uphold the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.