China blocks Philippine resupply mission to Escoda Shoal

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday, August 26, National Heroes’ Day in the Philippines, urged their Chinese counterparts to follow international law and “stop deploying maritime forces that could undermine mutual respect” after the China Coast Guard (CCG) “deployed excessive force” to stop a resupply mission to the BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the PCG’s two 97-meter ships, has been on an “extended patrol” in Escoda Shoal since April 2024.