'We are just repositioning our vessels': Philippines explains South China Sea pullout - Video
The Philippines has disputed claims of surrendering to China after it pulled out its stationed BRT BRP Teresa Magbanua from the disputed South China Sea reef.
The country's Cost Guard spokesman, Jay Tarriela on X explained that the vessel "While committed to her mission at Escoda Shoal, BRP Teresa Magbanua was compelled to return to port due to unfavourable weather conditions, depleted supplies of daily necessities, and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care."
The Commodore further emphasised the need for the vessel to leave China's flashpoint due to "structural damage to the vessel resulting from the deliberate ramming by the China Coast Guard on August 31, 2024."
According to pictures posted by local media, coast guards onboard the vessel were carried out on stretchers due to dehydration.
In response to claims of the Philippines relinquishing the Sabina Shoal to China after relentlessly guarding it for five months, Tarriela added that the country is on a journey of repositioning its vessels, debunking any rumours of facing defeat from China.
"It's not a defeat. As I said, related to my response a while ago, it's not also the Coast Guard abandoning our post in Escoda Shoal, we are just repositioning our own vessels. The only reason why we directed (BRP Teresa) Magbanua is to address the concerns that I mentioned. But it doesn't mean that the Coast Guard vessels will no longer be deployed there," Tarriela said at a news conference.
The South China Sea has been a hotspot for territorial conflicts among several nations, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Last month, there were several clashes between Chinese and Filipino ships which China affirmed it was not going to put an end to.
"China will continue to take resolute and forceful measures following the law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the seriousness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Mao Ning, stated.
