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Chinese vessels and a floating structure, which were first recorded on May 25, 2026,  are seen inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on June 15, 2026. The presence of the structure is seen as part of China's oceanographic and marine research studies that could be a preparatory study for building structures or transforming the reef into an artificial island, according to maritime expert Jay Batongbacal.  Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

BAJO DE MASINLOC- CHINA FLOATING STRUCTURE

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17823730379432026062508068_4a2d09a9c5b3d03e4ca2e8be462a1ed9f43f88e8bbe231e7549557aeca63cc2a.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Chinese vessels and a floating structure, which were first recorded on May 25, 2026,  are seen inside the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on June 15, 2026.<em> Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will conduct more patrols near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal in the coming months following the successful deployment of a Philippine Navy warship in the area despite the presence of Chinese warships.</p><p>AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve) said the recent patrol by BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7) demonstrated the country’s commitment to asserting its rights in the area.</p><p>“Recently, BRP Diego Silang conducted a unilateral patrol close to Bajo de Masinloc. She was armed with the Arbitral Tribunal Ruling of 2016. She was met by four PLA [People’s Liberation Army] Navy warships that were armed with a non-existent claim,” Trinidad said.</p><p>Despite being confronted by Chinese warships, the Philippine warship completed its mission.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/15/chinese-research-ship-tows-floating-platform-in-and-out-of-bajo-de-masinloc-1905">Chinese research ship tows floating platform in and out of Bajo de Masinloc</a></div><p>“The patrol was successfully conducted… in a legal and professional manner. You can expect more unilateral patrols, and bilateral and multilateral activities close to Bajo de Masinloc in the coming months,” he added.</p><p>The AFP official dismissed concerns that the Philippine Navy may be overstretched as it carries out multiple missions, including participation in international exercises abroad.</p><p>“The operational tempo is being handled by Philippine Navy headquarters. The ships are allocated to the operational commands, specifically Western Command, Northern Luzon Command, and the recently activated Strategic Defense Command,” Trinidad explained.</p><p>“We have sufficient numbers. They are more capable. They have greater reach [and] more effective sensors, and we are capable of conducting these patrols and multilateral activities,” Trinidad added. </p><p>During its patrol near Bajo de Masinloc, Trinidad said there was no indication that Chinese warships attempted to target BRP Diego Silang.</p><p>“There was no monitored activity that would point to the activation of sensors or fire control systems,” he said.</p><p>Nevertheless, the Philippine vessel challenged the presence of the Chinese ships and reiterated Manila’s position on the waters surrounding the shoal.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>CHINESE NAVAL, COAST GUARD VESSELS IN WPS</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>The AFP continues to closely monitor the presence and activities of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/10/pcg-gives-details-on-chinese-floating-structure-seen-near-bajo-de-masinloc-1301">PCG gives details on Chinese &#x27;floating structure&#x27; seen near Bajo de Masinloc</a></div><p>From June 16 to 22, the military monitored a total of 17 Chinese vessels across key maritime features.</p><p>Bajo de Masinloc recorded the highest concentration, with four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and five PLA-N ships monitored in the area.</p><p>Four CCG vessels were also observed near Ayungin Shoal, while three PLA-N vessels and one CCG ship were monitored near Pag-asa Island.</p><p>No Chinese vessels were monitored in Escoda Shoal during the same period.</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hZc3kNCkL-w?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The AFP dismissed concerns that the Philippine Navy may be overstretched as it carries out multiple missions, including participation in international exercises abroad.</p>

The AFP dismissed concerns that the Philippine Navy may be overstretched as it carries out multiple missions, including participation in international exercises abroad.

AFP eyes more patrols near Bajo de Masinloc

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AFP eyes more patrols near Bajo de Masinloc

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 25, 2026 03:41 PM PHT

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Armed Forces of the Philippines

Bajo de Masinloc

Scarborough Shoal

West Philippine Sea

Philippine Navy

patrols

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