Philippine Navy verifying reports of underwater structures in Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Navy is verifying reports of underwater structures in Bajo de Masinloc.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela stated that satellite images show the structures have been present since 2010, predating the 2012 standoff.

Tarriela suggested the structures might be remnants of a past construction attempt.

The Navy spokesperson, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, had previously mentioned an ongoing investigation into whether these are new installations.

Trinidad also recalled a 1997 incident where Filipino forces dismantled a steel structure China attempted to build in the same area.

Earlier reports of building blocks in Bajo de Masinloc were attributed to remnants from its time as a US and Philippine Air Forces bombing range.

The decision on how to address the structures rests with the National Maritime Council and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea.

This verification occurs after China's announcement of a national nature reserve in the area, which prompted a diplomatic protest from the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).