MANILA, June 4 -- The National Task Force (NTF) for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is looking into reports of a new structure in the Bajo de Masinloc of the WPS.

In a statement on Thursday, NTF-WPS Spokesperson Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Philippine government is taking the reports seriously as it may affect the country's "sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the WPS."

"Relevant government agencies are currently undertaking verification and validation measures to establish the accuracy, nature, and circumstances surrounding these reports, utilizing available monitoring, surveillance, and operational assessment mechanisms," Tarriela said.

While verification is ongoing, he called on the publ...