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Advocates Philippines
PH Protests Mysterious Structure In Bajo De Masinloc
Photo credit: SeaLight
The Philippine government has formally protested the presence of a floating structure spotted inside Bajo de Masinloc, as authorities continue to monitor what officials described as an illegal installation within the country's maritime zone.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed earlier disclosures by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. regarding the structure, which was first detected through aerial surveillance.
According to the task force, several government agencies have verified the existence of the platform, measuring about six meters by six meters and appearing to have an antenna. Recent images obtained by the military also showed people standing on top of the structure, while Philippine Coast Guard monitoring indicated that individuals remain onboard.
The government has yet to determine the exact purpose of the installation, with inter-agency teams continuing to assess its possible implications.
As concerns mounted, the Department of Foreign Affairs lodged a diplomatic protest with China over the presence of the structure. The NTF-WPS emphasized that protecting Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights remains a top priority and that the government would continue to pursue appropriate actions consistent with international law.
The issue first surfaced last week after satellite images released by maritime transparency group SeaLight showed what appeared to be a small object near the entrance of the lagoon at Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal. Philippine authorities initially launched validation efforts before confirming the structure's existence.
Gen. Brawner earlier revealed that the Philippine Air Force had captured updated images showing around six individuals on the platform. He warned against allowing a repeat of previous incidents in which temporary installations eventually developed into larger structures.
The discovery has renewed concerns over activities in the disputed waters, where Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels have maintained a regular presence in recent years.
Bajo de Masinloc, located about 124 nautical miles off Zambales, lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Although China seized effective control of the shoal in 2012 following a standoff with Philippine vessels, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that Beijing's sweeping claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The National Task Force reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines and falls within the country's maritime zones as recognized under international law.
Officials are continuing aerial and maritime surveillance in the area as authorities work to establish a complete picture of the situation. The government also urged the public to rely on official sources for verified information while awaiting further developments.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed earlier disclosures by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. regarding the structure, which was first detected through aerial surveillance.
According to the task force, several government agencies have verified the existence of the platform, measuring about six meters by six meters and appearing to have an antenna. Recent images obtained by the military also showed people standing on top of the structure, while Philippine Coast Guard monitoring indicated that individuals remain onboard.
The government has yet to determine the exact purpose of the installation, with inter-agency teams continuing to assess its possible implications.
As concerns mounted, the Department of Foreign Affairs lodged a diplomatic protest with China over the presence of the structure. The NTF-WPS emphasized that protecting Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights remains a top priority and that the government would continue to pursue appropriate actions consistent with international law.
The issue first surfaced last week after satellite images released by maritime transparency group SeaLight showed what appeared to be a small object near the entrance of the lagoon at Bajo de Masinloc, also known internationally as Scarborough Shoal. Philippine authorities initially launched validation efforts before confirming the structure's existence.
Gen. Brawner earlier revealed that the Philippine Air Force had captured updated images showing around six individuals on the platform. He warned against allowing a repeat of previous incidents in which temporary installations eventually developed into larger structures.
The discovery has renewed concerns over activities in the disputed waters, where Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels have maintained a regular presence in recent years.
Bajo de Masinloc, located about 124 nautical miles off Zambales, lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Although China seized effective control of the shoal in 2012 following a standoff with Philippine vessels, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that Beijing's sweeping claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The National Task Force reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines and falls within the country's maritime zones as recognized under international law.
Officials are continuing aerial and maritime surveillance in the area as authorities work to establish a complete picture of the situation. The government also urged the public to rely on official sources for verified information while awaiting further developments.
Jun 9, 2026
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