The Philippine government has taken diplomatic action against China over the presence of a floating structure monitored inside Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had already raised the matter with the Chinese government after Philippine monitoring confirmed the presence of the structure within the shoal.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs has already undertaken appropriate diplomatic action with the government of the People’s Republic of China in connection with the illegal presence of this floating structure,” the NTF-WPS said in a statement.
The task force confirmed earlier information disclosed by Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. regarding the sighting of the structure, which was monitored by a Philippine Air Force aircraft.
According to the NTF-WPS, aerial monitoring by several government agencies confirmed the presence of a 6×6-meter floating platform with what appeared to be an antenna. Latest imagery obtained by the Armed Forces also showed personnel on top of the structure.
Recent monitoring by the Philippine Coast Guard further indicated that the platform was located within the shoal, with individuals seen onboard.
Brawner said the structure appeared to have an antenna and had six people on top when it was spotted.
“It’s a 6×6 structure which we think has an antenna. Based on the image taken by our Philippine Air Force that flew above Bajo de Masinloc, there were people on the top. There were six people at that structure,” Brawner said.
The NTF-WPS said it is coordinating with relevant government agencies to monitor developments and assess the nature, purpose, and possible implications of the structure and related activities in the area.
“Inter-agency efforts are ongoing to establish a complete and accurate picture of the situation,” the task force said.
The task force, headed by National Security Adviser Eduardo Oban, said the protection of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction remains a paramount consideration.
“The Philippine government will continue to take appropriate actions consistent with international law and in defense of the country’s national interests,” it said.
The NTF-WPS also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the rules-based international order, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The 2016 ruling invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea and affirmed the Philippines’ rights within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
“We reiterate that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines and falls within the country’s maritime zones as recognized under international law,” the task force said.
Bajo de Masinloc is located about 124 nautical miles from Zambales and is within the country’s exclusive economic zone. China has controlled the shoal since a 2012 standoff with Philippine government vessels and has restricted Filipino fishers’ access to the lagoon.
Brawner said the military would not allow the construction of a permanent structure in the shoal.
“We will not allow an incident before to happen again, where a small structure was built and then later on it grew into an artificial island,” he said.
He was referring to Mischief Reef, where China initially built what it described as a shelter for fishermen before expanding the feature through reclamation. The reef is now equipped with military facilities and weapon systems.
The NTF-WPS urged the public to rely on official government sources for verified information, saying further updates would be issued when available.