The Philippines has reported the removal of a Chinese floating structure from Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. This development comes after Manila expressed its concerns through a diplomatic protest.
Monitoring Efforts Confirm Removal
On June 17, 2026, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed that maritime patrols had verified the platform's absence from the lagoon, although they did not disclose details about who removed it or when.
The Philippines lodged a formal diplomatic protest against its presence soon after it was detected.
National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea
Officials initially spotted the floating platform on May 25 during surveillance flights conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The structure, measuring approximately 30 square meters, was designed with metal stilts, allowing it to remain in position.
Panatag Shoal, located about 220 kilometers west of Luzon, has been under Chinese control since a standoff in 2012, despite being within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The Philippine government continues to assert its territorial claims based on a 2016 arbitral ruling that dismissed China's extensive claims in the South China Sea.
In their statement, the NTF-WPS reiterated that only the Philippines possesses the authority to construct or operate structures within Bajo de Masinloc. They emphasized ongoing maritime monitoring and patrols to ensure compliance with international laws and protect Philippine sovereignty.