Manila: The Department of National Defense (DND) rejected anew China's call for the Philippines to abandon its position on Bajo de Masinloc.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DND issued the statement Saturday after Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Chen Xi accused the Philippines of carrying out 'illegitimate acts' that supposedly violate China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea. Chen criticized the Philippines' recent submission of an updated nautical chart covering Bajo de Masinloc to the United Nations (UN), where the shoal is also known as Scarborough Shoal. China calls the feature Huangyan Dao.
The DND asserted that Bajo de Masinloc is an 'integral and longstanding part' of Philippine national territory. It stated that the country's maritime zones and entitlements in the area are established in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. The updated nautical chart submitted to the UN was said to provide 'necessary legal clarity and due publicity' to the international community regarding the geographical limits of Philippine maritime zones in the area.
'The Philippines will continue the lawful exercise of its sovereignty over BDM (Bajo de Masinloc). We will not be deterred by China's false narratives and hooliganism, as evidenced by its continued aggressive activities and attempts to distort history and the rules-based international order,' the DND stated. ''Di kami pasisiil (We will not be subjugated).' Bajo de Masinloc, a traditional fishing ground, has remained a major flashpoint since a 2012 standoff between Philippine and Chinese vessels. Filipino fishers continue to report harassment by Chinese vessels, including incidents involving water cannons and the cutting of anchor lines.
The 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling rejected China's claim to historic rights over resources within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. China refused to recognize the ruling.
In a related development, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the importance of stronger defense cooperation and interoperability with regional partners during his visit to the Philippine Air Force contingent participating in Australia's Exercise Pitch Black 2026. Teodoro praised the Filipino contingent's performance in the multinational air combat exercise, highlighting the precision, coordination, and speed required in the missions, according to a news release over the weekend.
He particularly commended a Filipino pilot who served as Strike Package commander, leading around 20 aircraft from five nations in a large-force employment mission involving nearly 60 aircraft. Teodoro said the exercise emphasized the need for the Philippines and its partners to work 'shoulder-to-shoulder,' with their defense cooperation anchored on international law and UNCLOS. Exercise Pitch Black, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, brought together 21 nations for complex air combat training scenarios.
