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The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed its BRP Teresa Magbanua to monitor the supposed illegal activities of China, creating “an artificial island” on Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Sabina Shoal is a low-tide elevation in the Spratly Islands, well inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) but also claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
It is only 75 nautical miles (140km) from the Philippine island of Palawan.
The office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in the statement that since April, the coast guard vessel had been operating near Sabina Shoal to keep a watch on China’s “ supposed illegal activities .”
“ We are alarmed by this ,” said Jonathan Malaya , assistant director general of the Philippine National Security Council.
Besides the BRP Teresa Magbanua, two more coast guard vessels had been deployed on a rotating basis to monitor the area.