China Coast Guard ships (background L and R) are seen past the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Cape Engano (C), as photographed from the BRP Cabra during a supply mission to Sabina Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Aug. 26, 2024.
The Philippines will continuously deploy vessels in the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, its coast guard said on Monday after a Philippine ship returned to port after a five-month deployment there.
"We will sustain presence over these waters," Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson Jay Tarriela told a press conference.
The PCG's vessel, Teresa Magbanua, was deployed to Sabina Shoal in April to monitor what Manila suspects to be China's small-scale land reclamation activities in the area.
Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef and the Philippines as the Escoda Shoal, lies west of the Philippine province of Palawan, within the country's exclusive economic zone.
Persons:
Sabina Shoal, Sabina, Jay Tarriela, Teresa Magbanua, Tarriela
Organizations:
China Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, BRP
Locations:
Sabina, South, Philippines, South China, Philippine, Manila, China, Palawan