MANILA — The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has confirmed that a floating platform previously monitored inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc has been removed, based on maritime patrols and monitoring conducted by Philippine authorities on June 17, 2026.

The task force said the presence of the structure had earlier prompted the Philippines to file a formal diplomatic protest shortly after it was detected. While noting its removal, authorities reiterated the country’s position asserting sovereignty over the area.

“It will be recalled that the Philippines lodged a formal diplomatic protest against its presence soon after it was detected. While we take note of the removal, we reiterate our principled and unyielding position: Bajo de Masinloc is and will always be an integral part of Philippine territory.”

The NTF-WPS maintained that the Philippines has long-standing sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc, citing historical records, surveys, government documents, and administrative acts as basis for its claim.

“The Philippines has indivisible, incontrovertible and longstanding sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc exercised through its continuous, uninterrupted sovereignty and jurisdiction as demonstrated by detailed surveys, official government correspondences, cartographic records and consistent acts of administration that have gone uninterrupted for centuries. Only the Philippines has the right to place or construct structures and conduct activities, including marine scientific research, in Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea.”

The task force added that Philippine maritime agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, will continue regular patrols and monitoring operations in and around the area.

“The NTF WPS, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and other relevant agencies will continue to conduct regular maritime patrols, maritime domain awareness operations, and lawful presence activities in and around Bajo de Masinloc.”

The statement also called on foreign entities to comply with international law and avoid actions that violate Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction.

“We demand that all foreign entities abide by international law and cease actions that infringe upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

Authorities said the Philippines remains committed to defending its territorial claims and maintaining adherence to the rules-based international order.