MANILA, Philippines — A group of generals and flag officers on Monday expressed grave concern over China’s deployment of a floating platform at Bajo de Masinloc, or Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea.
In a statement, the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) called the deployment of the floating platform an infringement of Philippine sovereignty.
READ: Solons condemn China’s floating platform in Bajo de Masinloc
“As former service leaders and concerned citizens, we view this unauthorized structure as an infringement upon Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights,” AGFO said.
“The AGFO calls for the immediate removal of this floating structure. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our national government and active-duty uniformed personnel in safeguarding our maritime domain,” it added.
According to the group, the Philippines cannot accommodate strategies in which temporary objects or platforms “could serve as precursors to illegal island-building and militarization.”
The group also called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to lodge formal diplomatic protests and commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for their transparency.
READ: Palace: PH won’t lose Bajo de Masinloc, to stick to legal steps
The association expressed hope that Filipino fisherfolk will continue to be safe and have a secure environment in which to pursue their livelihoods.
The platform was seen at Bajo de Masinloc, located about 220 kilometers from Luzon in the West Philippine Sea and well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
However, it has remained under Chinese control since a 2012 standoff with the Philippine Navy. /mcm
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