MANILA: The Philippines is returning to port a coast guard vessel anchored in the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after a five-month deployment as its mission is accomplished, the maritime council said on Sunday (Sun 15).
Since April, coast guard vessel Teresa Magbanua was deployed to monitor what Manila suspects to be China’s small-scale reclamation activities in the area.
Its presence has angered Beijing, turning the shoal into the latest flashpoint in the contested waters.
“After more than five months at sea, where she carried out her sentinel duties against overwhelming odds, BRP Teresa Magbanua is now sailing back to her homeport with her mission accomplished,” Lucas Bersamin, executive secretary and chairman of the National Maritime Council said in a statement.
Bersamin said Teresa Magbauna’s return was necessary to the medical needs of its crew and to undergo repairs.
There was no immediate comment from the Chinese embassy in Manila.
