Bajo de Masinloc remains an integral part of Philippine territory, and any action that undermines the rules-based international order—particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea—constitutes a clear violation, according to Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
“Bajo de Masinloc has always been an integral part of the territory of the Philippines. Only the Philippines, in the exercise of its sovereignty, has the right to establish baselines, and the breadth of the territorial sea around Bajo de Masinloc, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Lagdameo said during the UN General Assembly’s debate on Oceans and the Law of the Sea.
Lagdameo criticized China’s recent actions, which include announcing baselines around Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, and submitting a chart of baselines and geographical coordinates to the UN Secretary-General.
These actions, he asserted, are violations of UNCLOS and undermine the rules-based international order.
The ambassador further highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law in addressing maritime disputes, especially those involving access to resources and maritime boundaries. Lagdameo pointed to the Philippines’ commitment to resolving disputes through diplomacy and peaceful means.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meanwhile said his administration is dedicated to modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), aiming to transform it into a “world-class force” that embodies national pride and security.
“We will modernize your equipment, enhance your training programs, and ensure that you are equipped to face challenges not just of today but also of the future,” Mr. Marcos said during the joint graduation ceremony of the Major Services Officer Candidate Course (MS OCC) on Friday,
President Marcos emphasized that the transformation of the AFP will begin with its people—its talents, specialists, and leaders—who will bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. He expressed gratitude to the graduates for answering the call to serve the nation.
“To the Philippine Army class, “Katarakian”, Philippine Navy class, “Mangisalakan” – it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a class as you have all been outpaced, but you are showing very good imagination with all of this — Air Force class, “Sigmandigan,” congratulations to all of you on your graduation!” Mr. Marcos said.
The MS OCC is a one-year program designed to commission baccalaureate degree holders as officers in the AFP.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Philippines reasserts territorial claim over Bajo de Masinloc.”
