Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) has conducted seven patrols in Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in September, amid China’s plan to create a nature reserve at the shoal. In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad announced that the Navy also conducted one patrol mission in the country’s “Northern Islands,” referring to islands in Northern Luzon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Trinidad stated, “For the month of September, the Navy has conducted seven patrol missions in Bajo de Masinloc,” while withholding details on the Navy assets used for security reasons. He further mentioned that a comprehensive report on the monitoring efforts, including air surveillance flights and naval patrols for WPS and the Northern Islands, would be provided by the end of September.

Earlier this month, the Chinese government publicized its State Council’s approval of the Chinese Ministry of Natural Resources’ request to establish the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in Bajo de Masinloc. The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines strongly protested China’s plan, asserting that only Manila has the authority to establish a marine protected area in the region.

Trinidad also reported that as of September 22, nine China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were spotted in Bajo de Masinloc, alongside one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship in Pag-asa Island and two CCG vessels in Ayungin Shoal. This number is lower than the average 14 to 20 Chinese ships typically monitored in the WPS each month, a decline attributed to recent weather conditions, including Typhoon Nando.

Responding to China’s claims that Asia-Pacific defense arrangements could threaten regional peace, Trinidad emphasized the importance of international cooperation in maintaining a rules-based order in the WPS. “We welcome the international support provided to the Philippine-led efforts,” he said, adding, “Collective security does not endanger the region. It ensures that the region will remain peaceful.”