Floating platform removed from Panatag Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc, PH task force says

Article by F. Palafox

Published on June 17, 2026 10:00PM

MANILA — The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said Wednesday that a floating platform previously monitored inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal had been removed, based on maritime patrols and monitoring conducted on June 17. Philippine authorities said the platform was no longer present after fresh maritime domain awareness operations and aerial surveillance. ¹ ² ³

The task force stressed that the development does not affect Manila’s position on the shoal. It reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc “is and will always be an integral part of Philippine territory,” underscoring what it described as the country’s longstanding sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area. ⁴ ⁵

In its statement, the NTF-WPS said the removal was verified through patrols and monitoring conducted by Philippine authorities, including maritime domain awareness operations. The Philippine government also said it would continue regular maritime patrols, lawful presence activities, and surveillance in and around the shoal. ¹ ²

The Philippine government has long maintained that Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough or Panatag Shoal, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and is part of Philippine territory. National Security Council has previously said China’s claims over the feature have no basis in international law. ⁵ ⁶

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Notes:

¹ Manila Bulletin: “Floating platform no longer at Bajo de Masinloc, task force says. https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/17/floating-platform-no-longer-at-bajo-de-masinloc-task-force-says

² GMA News: “Tarriela: Chinese vessel dismantles platform in Bajo de Masinloc; another ship spotted. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/991776/tarriela-chinese-vessel-dismantles-platform-in-bajo-de-masinloc-another

³ Philippine Daily Inquirer: “PH says Chinese floating structure removed from Panatag Shoal. https://www.inquirer.net/477953/ph-says-chinese-floating-structure-removed-from-panatag-shoal/

⁴ The Star: “Philippines says floating platform removed from Scarborough Shoal. https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/06/17/philippines-says-floating-platform-removed-from-scarborough-shoal

⁵ Philippine News Agency: “Año: China's repeated claims over Bajo de Masinloc unfounded. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217986

⁶ Philippine News Agency: “PH continues to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170909