The discovery of a moving structure inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc is a matter of serious concern and warrants immediate attention from the government, particularly if its presence and activities are found to be detrimental to the country’s maritime entitlements and sovereign rights.
Sa ilalim ng international law at ng 2016 Arbitral Ruling, malinaw na kinilala ang mga karapatan ng Pilipinas sa Bajo de Masinloc o Scarborough Shoal. Hindi natin dapat hayaang malabag o maisantabi ang mga karapatang ito. Atin ito.
Mahalaga ang patuloy at masinsinang aerial at maritime surveillance upang matukoy ang tunay na layunin ng nasabing istruktura at makapagpatupad ng naaangkop na hakbang laban sa sinumang nasa likod nito.
Nakapagtataka lamang kung paano nakapasok at nakapuwesto ang naturang istruktura nang hindi agad natutukoy. Dahil dito, nananawagan ako sa Armed Forces of the Philippines at sa Philippine Coast Guard na manatiling mapagmatyag at higit pang paigtingin ang kanilang presensya sa lugar. Dapat nating tiyakin na walang aktibidad na isinasagawa na maaaring makapinsala sa ating mga lehitimong karapatan at interes sa Bajo de Masinloc.
Any attempt to encroach upon or establish a permanent or semi-permanent presence within our territorial waters and maritime zones must be addressed promptly and decisively. We must remain steadfast in protecting our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea while continuing to pursue peaceful, lawful, and rules-based measures consistent with international law.
The defense of our national sovereignty and maritime interests requires constant vigilance, unity, and an unwavering commitment to uphold what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people.