Today is the 25th day of the deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda/Sabina Shoal. The decisive action to deploy and extend the presence of the PCG vessel was made by the PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, in response to the presence of the Chinese Maritime Militia near Escoda Shoal. It is worth noting that this shoal falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, just 75 nautical miles from the coast of Palawan.
Due to the results of Dr. Anticamara’s maritime scientific research conducted in the sandy cays last March, the PCG has implemented a standard operating procedure of launching Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to inspect the low tide elevation (LTE) for any dumped crushed corals.
After more than 3 weeks of monitoring, the PCG has discovered that the physical characteristics of the LTE surrounding Escoda/Sabina Shoal are similar to those of the sandy cays. It has been observed that crushed corals were dumped and it is highly likely that the maritime features were altered.
