Tarriela said that the Chinese maritime forces, which asserted their presence in Sabina Shoal and harassed the Coast Guard flagship, did not retreat.

The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday said the country has not lost Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the pullout of BRP Teresa Magbanua.

Philippines to maintain presence MANILA, Philippines — As Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua returned to Palawan to undergo “needed repairs,” the National Maritime Council (NMC) yesterday said the Philippines would maintain its presence over Escoda Shoal to continue to assert its sovereign rights and jurisdiction and monitor illegal activities in the area.

The 11 reported sighting of People's Liberation Army navy ships near Sabina Shoal is twice more than the four that were spotted the previous week, based on Philippine Navy data.

Shoal has increased to a “record-high” 82, including 11 warships, 10 days after the BRP Teresa Magbanua left the area on

THE Philippine Navy on Tuesday logged the biggest number of Chinese ships seen in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) weeks after the Philippine Coast Guard pulled its biggest vessel from the disputed area.