The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed on Wednesday, June 17, that the floating platform previously detected inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc has been removed, based on the latest Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) patrols and monitoring conducted by Philippine authorities.
In a statement, the NTF-WPS said Philippine agencies verified the removal of the structure during maritime surveillance operations carried out earlier in the day. The platform had earlier prompted the Philippine government to lodge a formal diplomatic protest following its discovery within the disputed area.
While acknowledging the removal of the structure, the task force reiterated the country's position over Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal.
"While we take note of the removal, we reiterate our principled and unyielding position: Bajo de Masinloc is and will always be an integral part of Philippine territory," the NTF-WPS said.
The task force emphasized that the Philippines maintains what it described as “indivisible, incontrovertible and longstanding sovereignty” over Bajo de Masinloc, citing historical surveys, official government records, cartographic evidence, and continuous acts of administration over the area.
The NTF-WPS further stressed that only the Philippines has the right to construct structures and conduct activities, including marine scientific research, within Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea.
The task force said it will continue regular maritime patrols, maritime domain awareness operations, and lawful presence activities in and around the shoal through the coordinated efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and other government agencies.
"We demand that all foreign entities abide by international law and cease actions that infringe upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction," the NTF-WPS stated.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country's territorial integrity, upholding the rules-based international order, and defending its sovereign rights and maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.
Previously, the NTF-WPS reported the discovery of the said floating structure inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc. The platform has an estimated deck area of around 30 square meters, with a roughly 5-meter beam and 6–7 meter length, surrounded by fenders and possibly anchored, and may be supported by metal stilts if stationary.
