MANILA, Philippines — Vessels from China, including the world’s largest coast guard ship, were spotted anew near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.
In a statement, the PCG said its patrol ship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, “monitor(ed) China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with bow number 5901, one Chinese militia vessel and two Chinese rigid hull inflatable boats” in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal on Aug. 8.
The 165-meter CCG 5901 is China’s – and reportedly the world’s – largest coast guard ship. It is also known as the “monster ship” that had dropped anchor near Escoda Shoal since July. In comparison, the Teresa Magbanua is 97 meters in length, while the PCG’s other patrol vessels are at 44 meters.
The shoal has been guarded by the Teresa Magbanua after marine science researchers from the University of the Philippines found some areas dumped with dead corals, which authorities consider could be an initial step toward reclamation.
Escoda Shoal is around 150 nautical miles from the coast of Palawan and within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines upheld by the 2016 arbitral ruling.
Meanwhile, PCG personnel onboard the Teresa Magbanua, which has been guarding the WPS for almost four months, were served tubs of ice cream, according to photos posted by the agency on its official Facebook page yesterday.
“Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has treated BRP Teresa Magbanua’s crew with a sweet and cold dessert during their ongoing patrol operations at Sabina Shoal since 15 April 2024,” the Facebook post read.
The PCG’s patrol vessels were sending supplies to Teresa Magbanua and other units in the WPS from the Buliluyan Port in Palawan, the agency noted.
Joint exercise
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) proudly announced yesterday the successful completion of the two-day combined naval and air force exercises held in the WPS with the military forces of Australia, Canada and the United States.
Held from Aug. 7 to 8, the Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the Western Command area of responsibility inside the country’s EEZ, concluded on Thursday with no problems, despite being tailed by three of China’s People’s Liberation Army warships.
The Philippine Navy deployed the BRP Jose Rizal with an AW159 helicopter and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz for the two-day exercise.
Australia contributed a Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, while Canada deployed the HMCS Montreal with a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. The US was represented by the USS Lake Erie and a Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter.
The AFP said the MMCA included a series of meticulously planned events aimed at enhancing interoperability and cooperation among the participating forces.
The activities included communication exercises, division tactics/officer of the watch maneuvers, a photographic exercise, cross-deck landing operations, anti-submarine warfare exercises and contact reporting/maritime domain awareness.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. praised the MCCA’s success, emphasizing its vital role in strengthening regional security and fostering deeper cooperation among allied nations.
“This multilateral exercise met our objectives of enhancing tactical capabilities and interoperability. The seamless coordination and execution of the planned activities highlight the strong defense relationships we share and our collective commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region,” Brawner said.
The AFP said the exercise proceeded without any significant incidents and all objectives were met as planned, further solidifying the operational readiness and cooperation among the participating forces.
“The success of this MMCA underscores the commitment of the Philippines and its allies to upholding international maritime security and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the military said.
Live fire exercises
Meanwhile, combined troops of the Philippine and US Pacific armies held live fire training exercises in Laur, Nueva Ecija yesterday, launching guided missiles to hone the capabilities and interoperability of both forces.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said Filipino and American soldiers, working as a team, conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live fire exercise as part of the ongoing SALAKNIB Phase 2 at the Canantong Fire Base.
The Philippine Army’s Artillery Regiment and Field Artillery personnel from the US Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force worked closely together to maneuver, reload and fire the HIMARS batteries.
Dema-ala said the HIMARS, a missile launcher mounted on a five-ton truck, is capable of firing six guided missiles in rapid succession.
“The exercise is a significant component of SALAKNIB, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance the interoperability and readiness of the Philippine Army and US Army Pacific forces,” he said. — Michael Punongbayan