MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is employing all available means to monitor Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, in the West Philippine Sea to ensure no illegal or reclamation activities take place, a ranking naval official said.

“Yung (the) AFP, we use all sources of information. All sensors available to us. Sea-based, land-based, air-based, and even space-based. We have regular patrols by sea and by air,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in an interview with reporters.

Trinidad’s remarks came in response to questions about whether the Philippine Navy or AFP had observed any construction or reclamation activities at Scarborough Shoal, located roughly 124 nautical miles from Zambales.

The official added that the military can deploy aircraft or naval vessels to verify any such reports.

“There are different indicators that would tell us kung may mga nag-uumpisa nang (if they have started) reclamation activities on Bajo de Masinloc. So far, what we have monitored ay ‘yung mga buya lamang nila, (and)’ yung tali na pinangharang sa entrance (are the buoys they have placed and the towline they have installed in the entrance of Scarborough Shoal),” Trinidad said.

The Navy also keeps track of vessels from China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy and Coast Guard.

Trinidad noted that communication interference experienced by Philippine naval and air patrols in the area occurs when Filipino ships and aircraft operate near Chinese vessels or artificial islands.