(UPDATES) TWO Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships sustained serious damage Monday in pre-dawn collisions with Chinese vessels near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, the PCG said, as Beijing stepped up efforts to push its claims in the South China Sea.

China and the Philippines have had repeated confrontations in the waters in recent months, including around a warship grounded years ago by Manila on the contested Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal that hosts a garrison.

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details