Gov’t probes reported new structure in Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine government is verifying reports of a newly detected structure in Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea, amid concerns that it may have implications on the country’s maritime rights and jurisdiction.

National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) spokesperson and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said authorities are treating the reports with seriousness as they may affect “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction” in the area.

He said relevant agencies are currently conducting validation and assessment using available monitoring and surveillance systems to determine the accuracy and nature of the reported structure.

“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,” Tarriela said.

While verification is ongoing, he urged the public to avoid speculation and rely only on official government statements.

“Further updates will be provided once the verification process has been completed and the facts have been firmly established,” he added.

Tarriela also assured that the government remains committed to defending the country’s maritime entitlements and upholding international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

He said that the government remains “steadfast in protecting its national interests, defending its lawful maritime entitlements, and upholding the rules-based international order consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.”

Meanwhile, non-profit maritime monitoring group SeaLight released satellite imagery showing what it described as a newly observed object near Bajo de Masinloc. The group said it has not yet determined whether the object is fixed or floating, nor its exact function or origin.

SeaLight noted that while attribution remains unconfirmed, historical patterns of activity in the area make alternative explanations less likely, citing long-standing control and restrictions in the shoal’s lagoon entrance since 2024.

The group, which uses commercial satellite data to track maritime “gray zone” activities, monitors incidents such as harassment of fishermen, unauthorized incursions, and artificial island construction across disputed waters.