The National Maritime Council reiterated that the recent return of the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) largest vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, to the port in Palawan from Escoda Shoal does not mean that the Philippines is surrendering its sovereignty, emphasizing that the return was for humanitarian purposes.

“The very primordial reason is humanitarian dahil ‘yung mga tao natin nagkakasakit na. During the coverage ng pagdating ng barko, ilan yung naka-dextrose? Dalawa ‘yung naka-stretcher. So they needed immediate medical attention," National Maritime Council Spokesperson Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez said during an ambush interview at Malacañang on Monday.

According to Lopez, this was not what was agreed upon during the recent bilateral consultation mechanism between the Philippines and China held in Beijing.

In fact, he mentioned that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was firm during the meeting and stood its ground, insisting that the Philippines would maintain its presence at Escoda Shoal.

PCG had previously clarified that the return of the vessel to its homeport from its patrol at Escoda Shoal was due to operational matters, not because of any demand from China.

National Maritime Council Chairperson and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the vessel's return and mentioned that it will undergo repair and maintenance while the crew and their families will be given a break.

Bersamin also mentioned that after five months of performing sentinel duties against ‘overwhelming’ odds, the vessel and its crew returned to their homeport with their mission accomplished.

On Sunday, the 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) arrived at Puerto Princesa Port in Palawan, where it was personally welcomed by PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, following the completion of its five-month deployment at Sabina Shoal.