MANILA — The Philippine government has taken diplomatic action over a movable floating platform allegedly deployed by China within Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In a media report, it said that in a statement, the DFA said it has already undertaken “appropriate diplomatic action,” though it did not disclose details, citing the confidentiality of diplomatic communications.

“The DFA has undertaken the appropriate diplomatic action, such as several demarches and the issuance of a formal protest, against the structure in Bajo de Masinloc reported by the AFP and the PCG,” the DFA said.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the structure was initially detected through satellite imagery and maritime domain awareness operations conducted in May.

Tarriela said the platform has an estimated deck area of around 30 square meters, with dimensions ranging from five meters to about six to seven meters in length. He added that it appears to have metal supports that may allow it to be anchored or stabilized in place.

He also said six Chinese personnel were observed on the structure on May 30, along with reported aerial harassment incidents involving Chinese military aircraft.

According to Tarriela, the platform moved further into Bajo de Masinloc on May 31, allegedly with the assistance of Chinese vessels and personnel.