In compliance with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) Chairman, Secretary Eduardo Año, has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to execute a special operation to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM).

PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), CG Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. 

"It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory," he added.

CG Commodore Tarriela also emphasized that the 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen.

"Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law.  It also infringes on the Philippines' sovereignty over BDM," the PCG Spokesperson for the WPS furthered.

"The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal," he noted.

"The PCG remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters," CG Commodore Tarriela concluded.