The Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) on Monday called for the immediate removal of a floating structure observed at the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
AGFO expressed “grave concern” over the presence of the platform, which has been monitored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“As former service leaders and concerned citizens, we view this unauthorized structure as an infringement upon Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights,” AGFO said.
The group, led by retired police Maj. Gen. German Doria, said the structure could serve as a precursor to illegal island-building and further militarization in the area.
AGFO also backed the Department of Foreign Affairs’ filing of a diplomatic protest, saying the structure violates the Philippines’ rights within its exclusive economic zone.
China has maintained control of the shoal since a 2012 standoff with Philippine vessels and has since restricted Filipino access to its lagoon.
The shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, lies about 124 nautical miles from Zambales and within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
AGFO said the presence of the structure runs counter to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
“We call for the immediate removal of this floating structure. We stand with the national government and uniformed services in safeguarding our maritime domain,” the group said.
“The West Philippine Sea is for Filipinos,” it added.
AGFO also commended the AFP, PCG, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for monitoring activities in the area and ensuring transparency.
It urged continued protection for Filipino fisherfolk operating in traditional fishing grounds in the shoal.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela said a BFAR aircraft observed the floating platform being towed by a Chinese research vessel during a maritime domain awareness flight.
Tarriela said the vessel Yue Zhan Yu Ke 6 was seen towing the structure back through the southeast entrance of the shoal.
He added that a service boat later repositioned the barrier after the research vessel re-entered the area, while another vessel, Xia Yu Zhi 20028, was observed nearby.