MANILA — The Philippines has formally protested the presence of an unauthorized floating structure inside Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), escalating concerns over a new development in the disputed West Philippine Sea after authorities confirmed the platform’s presence within an area Manila considers part of its maritime territory.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already initiated diplomatic action with China following the discovery of the structure, which was detected through aerial and maritime monitoring operations.
“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 task force said.
The diplomatic protest came after Philippine authorities confirmed the existence of a floating platform measuring approximately six meters by six meters and equipped with what appears to be an antenna within the shoal.
The NTF-WPS also corroborated earlier statements made by Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. regarding the installation.
“Aerial monitoring by several agencies has confirmed the presence of a 6×6-meter floating structure with what appears to be an antenna. Latest imagery obtained by the AFP likewise shows the presence of personnel on top of the structure. Recent PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) monitoring further indicates that the platform is currently located within the shoal, with individuals observed on board,” the statement read.
Authorities said government agencies are conducting continuous monitoring and intelligence-gathering operations to determine the platform’s purpose, ownership, and possible implications for Philippine security and maritime interests.
The task force said a more comprehensive assessment is being developed as surveillance efforts continue.
The NTF-WPS emphasized that the government remains committed to defending Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Philippine Government will continue to take appropriate actions consistent with international law and in defense of the country’s national interests,” it added.
The task force likewise reaffirmed the country’s position that Bajo de Masinloc forms part of Philippine territory and falls within its maritime zones under international law.
“The NTF-WPS remains steadfast in upholding the rules-based international order, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. 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,” it said.
Located west of Luzon, Bajo de Masinloc remains one of the most contested and closely watched maritime features in the West Philippine Sea, where tensions between the Philippines and China continue amid overlapping territorial claims./PN
