The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday condemned China’s recent move to establish the “Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve” in Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, calling it an unlawful encroachment on Philippine sovereignty. Bajo de Masinloc, which is a part of Zambales province, has been used as a shelter by Filipino fishermen and was grabbed by China in 2012 following a standoff between the Chinese Navy and the Philippine Navy.

Talosig-Bartolome, M. (2025, September 12). DFA denounces establishment of China ‘nature reserve’ at Bajo de Masinloc. BusinessMirror, p. A7.