The Philippines has officially submitted a nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc to the United Nations, reinforcing its maritime claims in the South China Sea. This deposit aims to enhance transparency regarding the country's jurisdiction over these disputed waters.
Philippine Delegation Presents Chart to UN
This action reinforces our commitment to uphold our maritime rights and responsibilities under international law.
Enrique A. Manalo, Ambassador to the UN
- The chart was deposited on July 29, 2026.
- It complies with Article 16 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the chart, known as Namria Chart 1567, was presented by Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo to Alice Hicuburundi, a deputy director at the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
This chart details the normal baselines and territorial sea boundaries around Bajo de Masinloc, aligning with both UNCLOS and local laws. By depositing this official information, the Philippines aims to solidify its maritime entitlements on an international platform.
The delegation included experts from various government agencies, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind this maritime assertion.