PHL notes removal of platform from shoal

THE National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Wednesday confirmed the removal of a floating platform previously monitored at Scarborough Shoal, citing the latest maritime domain awareness patrols.

In a statement, the task force said the Philippines had immediately lodged a diplomatic protest after the structure was first detected in the disputed area.

“We take note of the removal,” the task force said. “We reiterate our principled and unyielding position: Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is and will always be an integral part of Philippine territory.”

The task force said the Philippines has “indivisible, incontrovertible and longstanding sovereignty” over the shoal, exercised through continuous jurisdiction and supported by historical surveys, official government records, cartographic evidence and administrative activities.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a request for comment sent through Viber.

The NTF-WPS said only the Philippines has the right to undertake construction, marine scientific research and other activities within the shoal and its surrounding waters.

It added that regular maritime domain awareness operations and state presence missions around Scarborough Shoal would continue under the coordination 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 task force said.

The NTF-WPS said the Philippines remains committed to protecting its territorial integrity and upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea. — Pexcel John Bacon