Manila: Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio expressed concerns on Tuesday about reports of a suspected Chinese structure on the Scarborough Shoal, stating that any new construction could be a precursor to occupation and a violation of the 2002 Declaration of Conduct (DOC). Carpio emphasized the gravity of the situation during an interview at a Stratbase Institute forum in Makati City, noting past incidents where similar actions led to occupation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Carpio warned that constructing a platform or structure on the shoal would breach the DOC agreement, which prohibits states from occupying unoccupied features. He urged for vigilant monitoring and the filing of a protest to address the issue. Carpio compared the situation to the Mischief Reef incident, where initial construction eventually led to occupation.

In response to the reports, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Analyn Ratonel confirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has initiated diplomatic actions, including several demarches and a formal protest against the suspected structure. However, Ratonel mentioned that the details of these diplomatic communications remain confidential.

The reports stem from claims of a "small reflective object" spotted near the lagoon entrance of Scarborough Shoal last month. The Philippine government maintains that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippines, asserting its sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area.

The situation is further complicated by last year's announcement by the Chinese government, which approved a request from its Ministry of Natural Resources to establish a reserve in the Scarborough Shoal, to be named Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve.