MANILA — The Philippines will not abandon Bajo de Masinloc despite pressure from Beijing, the Department of National Defense (DND) declared, asserting Manila’s sovereignty over the disputed maritime feature and accusing China of using “false narratives and hooliganism” to advance its sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
The DND issued the strong response after China’s Ministry of National Defense accused the Philippines of violating Chinese sovereignty and maritime interests following Manila’s submission to the United Nations of an updated nautical chart depicting Bajo de Masinloc.
Also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal and referred to by China as Huangyan Dao, Bajo de Masinloc has been at the center of a long-running maritime dispute between Manila and Beijing.
The DND maintained that the shoal has long formed part of Philippine territory and that the country’s maritime entitlements in the area are supported by international law.
It said the updated nautical chart was submitted to provide the international community with clearer information on the limits of Philippine maritime zones.
The department cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling as legal bases for the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.
“The Philippines will continue the lawful exercise of its sovereignty over BDM (Bajo de Masinloc). We will not be deterred by China’s false narratives and hooliganism, as evidenced by its continued aggressive activities and attempts to distort history and the rules-based international order,” the DND said.
“‘Di kami pasisiil (We will not be subjugated),” it added.
Tensions over Bajo de Masinloc have persisted since a 2012 standoff involving Philippine and Chinese vessels.
Filipino fishermen have continued to report encounters with Chinese maritime forces in the area, including alleged water-cannon attacks and incidents in which anchor lines were reportedly cut.
The 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling rejected China’s assertion of historic rights over resources within areas falling inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Beijing has refused to recognize the ruling.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. underscored the importance of strengthening military cooperation with other countries as he visited Filipino personnel participating in Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black 2026.
Teodoro praised the Philippine Air Force contingent for its performance in the multinational drills, describing the experience as “absolutely inspiring” and “eye-opening.”
He said the discipline, coordination and rapid decision-making required during the exercises provided valuable experience for Filipino military personnel.
Teodoro also commended a Filipino pilot who served as a Strike Package commander, leading approximately 20 aircraft from five countries during a large-force mission involving nearly 60 aircraft.
The defense chief said the exercise demonstrated the importance of closer coordination among countries confronting common security concerns.
He stressed that defense cooperation should be anchored on international law and UNCLOS, saying the Philippines and its partners must be prepared to operate “shoulder-to-shoulder.”
Exercise Pitch Black, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, brought together 21 countries for advanced air combat training and multinational operational scenarios./PN
