National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Philippines would maintain continuous presence in the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, the country's top security adviser said Friday.
In an ambush interview at Sangley Point, Cavite, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed a ship as a replacement following the departure of its largest vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, from the area.
The ship is now sheltering at an undisclosed location due the bad weather, he said.
"We will always make sure yung ating (that our) presence and access sa Sabina Shoal ay tuloy-tuloy (is continuous). Tuloy-tuloy yan as soon as mag-improve yun weather, may plano ang ating PCG kung papano proteksyunan ang ating West Philippine Sea (WPS) (It will proceed as soon as the weather improves, our PCG has a plan to protect the WPS)," he said.
The 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.
Año, meanwhile, deferred to the PCG regarding the details of the vessel to be deployed to the Escoda Shoal.
He said the possibility of the replacement ship anchoring in the shoal just like its predecessor will depend on the situation, stressing that the Manila's focus is to maintain its presence in WPS features.
"May mga pagbabago tayong gagawin pero hindi natin pwedeng i-disclose dito sa public. But nag-uusap yung National Maritime Council at saka yung ating Armed Forces at PCG ay maganda yung coordination (We will implement some changes but we cannot disclose it to the public. The National Maritime Council members are constantly communicating with one another and the Armed Forces and the PCG have a good coordination) and the President is constantly giving us guidance," he added. (PNA)
