BRP Teresa Magbanua (File photo)
MANILA – The BRP Teresa Magbanua vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has left Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said on Sunday.
“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 (in Puerto Princesa, Palawan) with her mission accomplished,” Bersamin, also the National Maritime Council Chairperson, said in a statement.
During her deployment to Escoda Shoal, Bersamin said Teresa Magbanua challenged an encirclement by a larger flotilla of intruders and battled inclement weather, with her crew surviving on diminished daily provisions.
“What made this possible is the determination and dedication of the men and women on board, who crewed her in the finest tradition of our Philippine Coast Guard sailors, and in honor of the heroine after whom she was named,” he said.
He said the repositioning will allow the Magbanua “to address the medical needs of some of her crew, undergo needed repairs, and allow her crew to enjoy a well-deserved furlough and reunion with their loved ones.”
“After she has been resupplied and repaired, and her crew recharged, she will be in tiptop shape to resume her mission, along with other PCG and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) assets, as defenders of our sovereignty,” Bersamin added. (PNA)
