Philippines probes Chinese structure at Scarborough Shoal

A PHILIPPINE task force on Wednesday night said it is verifying reports of a new structure being built in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, a major flashpoint in the South China Sea.

“The Philippine government takes seriously any development that may affect the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said in a statement, referring to parts of the disputed sea that falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The task force said relevant government agencies are already conducting validation and verification to determine the accuracy, nature, and circumstances surrounding the reports using various monitoring, surveillance, and operational assessment mechanisms.

It is also coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure a comprehensive and fact-based assessment of the situation.

China has maintained control of Scarborough after a 2012 standoff with Philippine forces, barring Filipino fishermen from access. The shoal is prized for its rich marine resources and strategic position near major shipping lanes.

While verification continues, the NTF-WPS called on the public to refrain from speculation and rely only on information released by official government agencies.

The agency also emphasized that the Philippines remains steadfast in defending its national interests and legitimate maritime rights in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“The Philippines remains steadfast in protecting its national interests, defending its lawful maritime entitlements, and upholding the rules-based international order consistent with international law,” the agency said.

This development followed Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.’s remarks, saying China remains a “severe threat” to the Southeast Asian nation. Mr. Teodoro also insisted that “no matter how China sugarcoats its assistance to the Philippines, it doesn’t cut the mustard, and it will not change the Philippines’ views on China.”

China, through its embassy in Manila, denounced the official’s statement, saying he failed to show good will and was “guileful.”

Ji Lingpeng, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, in a statement described Mr. Teodoro’s remarks as “a typical case of biting the hand that feeds you” and asserted that it does not recognize the aid Beijing has provided to Manila, including COVID-19 vaccines, fertilizer donations, infrastructure projects, and disaster relief assistance. — Pexcel John Bacon