Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced its commitment to a "prolonged presence" in Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, following the recent sightings of Chinese vessels and the discovery of crushed corals dumped in the area. This action comes in response to unauthorized marine research activities by Chinese entities, which have raised concerns over sovereignty and environmental impacts.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, this deployment marks the PCG's longest on record in the region. The initiative began on April 15 with the dispatch of BRP Teresa Magbanua, following intelligence reports of Chinese operations at the shoal. The PCG has also implemented rotational deployments involving BRP Cabra and BRP Malabrigo, extending from the shoal to Rozul Reef to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts.
During initial assessments, the PCG noted an expansion in some of the shoal's sandbars, attributed to the deposition of crushed corals. "At present, we are extensively monitoring the movement of three Chinese research vessels, including a 'mother boat,' the largest of the vessels stationed in Sabina Shoal," Tarriela explained. These vessels reportedly conduct comprehensive surveys around the shoal, deploying service boats to transfer divers and various instruments to the seabed.
The PCG's ongoing mission has also encountered significant challenges from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Chinese Coast Guard. Notably, PLA Navy vessels with bow numbers 622, 537, and 570 and a PLA Navy helicopter have been observed in the area, alongside Chinese Coast Guard vessels 4402, 21555, 21556, and 3303, and more than 30 Chinese maritime militia vessels. These forces have been actively monitoring and occasionally obstructing the movements of the PCG.
"The main objective of our prolonged presence in Sabina Shoal is to prevent the Chinese government from carrying out their illegal actions of reclamation and possible expansion in the shoal," Tarriela stated, highlighting the effectiveness of the PCG's presence in deterring these activities for the past 26 days.
Sabina Shoal, located approximately 75 nautical miles from mainland Palawan, lies well within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This strategic location near the resource-rich Reed Bank has been the focus of geopolitical tensions, with China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, including the so-called nine-dash line, overlapping several Philippine features.
In a related commentary, former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio emphasized that China has no entitlement to linger in Sabina Shoal, as it is submerged and clearly within the Philippine EEZ. Carpio warned of the potential for China to develop the feature into an outpost, given its strategic proximity to Reed Bank.
Amid these developments, a senior US Defense official in Hawaii expressed concerns over increasing tensions in the region, attributing them to China's coercive behaviors and territorial ambitions in the South and East China Seas. These concerns underscore the complex dynamics at play as nations navigate the challenges of sovereignty, security, and resource exploitation in contested maritime territories.