The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a firm statement on March 16, reaffirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights over Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), following what it called an erroneous and misleading statement from the Chinese Embassy earlier this month.
In a strongly worded response, the DFA stressed that the Philippines’ sovereignty is both historical and legally grounded, citing the centuries-old Murillo Velarde map of 1734, which depicts Bajo de Masinloc as Philippine territory—a position consistently supported by subsequent cartographic records and government actions.
The DFA noted that Philippine authority over the area has been continuous and uninterrupted, evidenced by official hydrographic surveys, government correspondence, and administrative acts, including demolition of illegal structures on the shoal and its use as a designated target range by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Sovereignty is not merely claimed—it is exercised,” the statement underscored.
The DFA rejected China’s “indisputable sovereignty” claim over the entire South China Sea, calling it without basis “in fact, in history, or in international law.” The statement also dismissed a letter posted by the Chinese Embassy on social media as being of uncertain origin and authenticity.
The Philippine government reiterated that maritime disputes must be resolved through established international legal mechanisms, not unilateral assertions or social media posts. “A state confident in the legality of its claims does not shy away from international adjudication,” the DFA said, asserting that China’s reluctance to subject its claims to legal scrutiny reflects their lack of legal foundation.
The DFA reaffirmed the binding authority of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated many of China’s maritime claims and has since been accepted as part of international law. It pointed out that the Philippines has consistently exercised sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its recognized maritime zones, including Bajo de Masinloc and high‑tide features of the KIG.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace and diplomacy, the DFA made clear that dialogue with China does not mean concession. “Engagement is not concession,” the statement said, noting that talks are pursued in line with guidance from Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. but will not dilute Manila’s firm stance on sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
“Our sovereignty is non‑negotiable. Our resolve is absolute,” the DFA asserted.
