PH ships damaged in Escoda collision

(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.