The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel deployed to replace BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda Shoal has not encountered any harassment from Chinese militia vessels, according to National Maritime Council (NMC) spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander Lopez.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Lopez reported that aside from Escoda Shoal, the Philippine vessel is monitoring other areas within the country’s jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Last Friday, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed that the replacement vessel for BRP Teresa Magbanua had already set sail but temporarily took shelter due to bad weather conditions.
Lopez also stated that there is no need for a new agreement between the Philippines and China regarding the shoal.
The priority, he added, is to prevent any further reclamation activities in the area.