Several members of the House of Representatives have called for the immediate removal of Chinese structures recently detected in Bajo de Masinloc, warning that the installations could heighten tensions in the West Philippine Sea and undermine Philippine sovereignty.
Among those who condemned the development were Leila de Lima and the House Young Guns bloc composed of Jay Khonghun, Paolo Ortega V, and Zia Alonto Adiong.
The lawmakers issued the statement following reports from the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard confirming the presence of a 6-by-6-meter floating platform, floating buoys, communication antennas, and other structures inside the shoal.
“The People’s Republic of China’s actions are a direct assault on our sovereignty and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional peace and stability,” the House Young Guns said.
“We stand united with the Filipino people and the entire government in defending every inch of our territory and exclusive economic zone. Diplomacy must be backed by resolve. They must cease these illegal activities now,” the group added.
De Lima likewise described the floating platform as an unauthorized intrusion into Philippine maritime zones, noting that authorities believe it may be equipped with communications or monitoring equipment.
“The Filipino people have every reason to view this latest development with grave concern,” De Lima said.
She argued that the installation should be viewed within the broader context of China’s activities in the South China Sea, citing a pattern in which temporary structures later evolve into long-term occupation and permanent facilities.
“It is therefore neither alarmist nor speculative to question the true purpose and long-term implications of this newly deployed floating platform,” she said.
De Lima also stressed that China’s actions continue to disregard the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
Both De Lima and the House Young Guns urged China to dismantle the floating platform and other installations in Bajo de Masinloc and comply with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
