UMVA has learned that a significant development has taken place in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) announcing that a floating platform previously monitored in the area has been removed.
The removal of the structure comes after the Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest, expressing strong concerns over the presence of the platform in the disputed territory. This move underscores the country's unwavering stance on its territorial claims.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the NTF-WPS has reiterated that Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, is an integral part of Philippine territory. The task force emphasized the Philippines' "indivisible, incontrovertible and longstanding sovereignty" over the shoal.
The Philippines' sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal is rooted in historical surveys, official government records, cartographic evidence, and administrative activities. The task force made it clear that only the Philippines has the right to undertake construction, marine scientific research, and other activities within the shoal and its surrounding waters.
The NTF-WPS has vowed to continue conducting regular maritime domain awareness operations and state presence missions around Scarborough Shoal. These efforts will be coordinated with various government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The task force has also issued a stern warning to foreign entities, demanding that they abide by international law and cease actions that infringe upon Philippine sovereignty. The Philippines remains committed to protecting its territorial integrity and upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea.
