Philippine Ship Leaves Disputed Sabina Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua has left the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after a five-month mission to assert Manila's claims and deter Chinese reclamation activities. The vessel's return was necessitated by bad weather, depleted supplies, and the need for medical care and repairs. Despite an encirclement by a larger Chinese flotilla and multiple collisions, the Magbanua's crew maintained their presence with diminished provisions. The National Maritime Council has announced that a replacement vessel will be immediately dispatched to maintain the Philippines' stance in the contested area. Sabina Shoal is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, though China also claims sovereignty over it. The Philippines remains committed to defending its territorial claims against China's expansive assertions in the South China Sea.