Nat'l Task Force for WPS validating alleged Chinese structure at Bajo de Masinloc

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Wednesday night said it is validating reports of a structure at Bajo de Masinloc that is allegedly being built by China.

“Relevant government agencies are currently undertaking verification and validation measures to establish the accuracy, nature, and circumstances surrounding these reports, utilizing available monitoring, surveillance, and operational assessment mechanisms,” the NTF-WPS said in a statement.

Maritime monitoring group SeaLight earlier shared satellite images of the structure – which is around 10 meters in diameter – that is allegedly being built by China at the Bajo de Masinloc.

The group said it cannot yet conclusively determine if this is a fixed structure, a reef‑mounted marker, a buoy‑type device, a monitoring instrument or another type of object.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also said it is also verifying the information.

The NTF-WPS said it is coordinating with various government agencies to factually assess the reports.

“The Philippine Government takes seriously any development that may affect the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. The NTF-WPS is closely coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure a comprehensive and fact-based assessment of the situation,” it said.

“While verification efforts are ongoing, we underscore the importance of avoiding speculation and, instead, rely on information released through official government channels only.”

The Bajo de Masinloc – also known as Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal – is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales.

It is considered within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China’s claims in the South China Sea, saying Beijing’s claims has “no legal basis.” China has refused to recognize the decision. — JMA, GMA News