Satellite images reviewed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suggest that the underwater structure spotted at Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal / Scarborough Shoal) is not a recent development, but one that dates back to 2010.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said that the images “go as far back as 2010,” indicating the structure may merely be debris or remnants of earlier construction rather than a new installation.
Meanwhile, the PCG noted that any decision on whether to remove the structure would rest with the National Maritime Council and the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).