Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (File photo)
MANILA – Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a resolution commending the crew of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua enduring harassment and hardships while maintaining the country’s presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"The crucial and immeasurable contribution of the officers and crew of the BRP Teresa Magbanua should be recognized and commended," he said in the Senate Resolution No. 1202 he filed Tuesday evening.
In April 2024, the PCG deployed the Magbanua to monitor China's reclamation activities in the WPS, particularly in the Escoda Shoal, and to maintain the Philippines' presence within the 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone.
Despite harassment and intimidation attempts by Chinese vessels - including an intentional ramming by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua did not leave the area.
As part of its harassment efforts, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) even blocked rotation and reprovisioning missions, forcing the crew to settle for lugaw (porridge), boiled rainwater, and droplets from the vessel's airconditioning system.
BRP Teresa Magbanua was forced to leave Escoda Shoal last Sept. 15 and return to Puerto Princesa Port due to weather conditions, depleted supplies, and damage to the vessel - aside from the medical condition of some of its crew.
"Resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that the Senate of the Philippines commends and lauds the brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard on board the BRP Teresa Magbanua for their dedication and commitment to protect the sovereign rights of the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea,” Padilla said in the SRN 1202.
German naval commander visits PH Navy
Highlighting the growing military ties between the Philippines and Germany, the commander of the German Flotilla 2 visited the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Sept. 16.
Rear Adm. Axel Schultz and his delegation paid a courtesy call to the PN and was welcomed by Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Renato David, PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said in a statement Wednesday.
“We are glad that you are here. It is a testament to your commitment to an open Indo-Pacific. It is our pleasure to welcome you," David told the German naval delegation.
During their meeting, the two officials discussed future engagements, modernization efforts, and training opportunities between the Philippine and German naval forces.
"It is important to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends, allies, and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region, especially with the Philippines. We are very keen to support you in terms of training. I always see that as an exchange of experience, and I'm sure that we can learn a lot from the Philippine Navy as well," Schultz said.
The PN said the goodwill visit of the German Navy marks another step toward enhancing defense cooperation and stronger bilateral relations, especially in addressing common maritime challenges and advancing mutual defense capabilities. (Leonel Abasola & Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
