Military steps up naval, air patrols in Escoda Shoal

Intensified air and naval patrols are being readied in Escoda Shoal in support of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua, which got rammed repeatedly by Chinese vessels last Saturday just days after it figured in similar incidents also involving the Chinese.

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad made the pronouncement yesterday, as the Chinese appeared to have increased their presence in the area, which is indisputably within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

But he clarified that a steppedup patrol does not necessarily involve deploying more assets to the area.

“She’s alone (Teresa Magbanua). We’re watching over the area because of reports on piledup crushed corals. We want to make sure it’s not man-made, so that’s why we’re there,” Trinidad said over radio dzBB.

“So far the Coast Guard is there. The Navy and the Air Force have increased their patrols – by air and sea,” he added.