The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said that government agencies are verifying reports on the alleged presence of a new structure at Bajo de Masinloc.
In a statement, the NTF-WPS said concerned agencies are conducting validation efforts to determine the accuracy, nature, and circumstances of the reported structure through available monitoring, surveillance, and operational assessment mechanisms.
“The Philippine Government takes seriously any development that may affect the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” the task force said.
The NTF-WPS said it is coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure a comprehensive and fact-based assessment of the situation.
It urged the public to avoid speculation while verification is ongoing, and to rely only on information released through official government channels.
The task force said the Philippines remains firm in protecting its national interests, defending its lawful maritime entitlements, and upholding the rules-based international order under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Further updates will be issued once the verification process is completed and the facts have been established, the NTF-WPS said.