Sun Sep 15 10:08:54 UTC 2024: ## Philippines Withdraws Coast Guard Vessel from Disputed South China Sea Shoal
**MANILA, Philippines** – The Philippines has withdrawn its Coast Guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, from Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, a recent hotspot in tensions with Beijing. The vessel was forced to return to port due to bad weather, depleted supplies, and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care, according to Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela.
The vessel’s departure could benefit China, which has repeatedly demanded the Philippines withdraw its vessels from the disputed shoal. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a vital trade route with significant energy potential.
Sabina Shoal has become a focal point of the maritime dispute between China and the Philippines, a key US ally. Both countries have accused each other of trying to establish a permanent presence at the coral atoll.
China’s Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun stated that they will continue to enforce maritime law in waters under China’s jurisdiction, safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Local media in the Philippines have shared images of Coast Guard personnel being evacuated from the vessel, reportedly due to dehydration after five months at sea.
The withdrawal from Sabina Shoal mirrors a similar incident in 2012, where Philippine vessels withdrew from Scarborough Shoal following a standoff with China. Beijing has since maintained effective control of the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard has stated that the BRP Teresa Magbanua will be fully resupplied and repaired, and will return to its mission in the South China Sea.
First Piper 