Manila: The Philippines will continue to deploy maritime and air patrols to assert the country’s sovereignty and jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, despite mounting security challenges. National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya provided this assurance during the Stratbase Institute and Stanford University’s Sealight Project online forum titled “Scarborough Shoal: Facing Facts and Exploring Options.”

According to Philippines News Agency, Malaya emphasized that notwithstanding the challenges, the Philippines is committed to supporting its fishermen and maintaining the nation’s territorial integrity. The country plans to increase its presence by regularly sending ships on maritime patrols, along with conducting air patrols, to assert its rights and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc. Malaya stated that the territorial integrity of the Philippines is “foundational and non-negotiable,” aligning with the country’s stance since the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.

Despite the doubling of Chinese maritime presence in Scarborough Shoal, Malaya affirmed that the Philippines’ legal status is clear, and it is the government’s responsibility to uphold this status by implementing the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and the Maritime Zones Law. This will involve consistently demonstrating sovereignty through maritime and air patrols. Malaya concluded by reinforcing the need to fly the flag and stand for international law.