Manila, June 17 -- The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) on Wednesday confirmed the removal of the Chinese floating platform spotted in the lagoon of Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) since late May.

The task force said this was based on the latest maritime domain awareness (MDA) patrols conducted by Philippine authorities earlier in the day.

In a statement, NTF WPS also said it will conduct regular maritime patrols, MDA operations and "lawful presence activities" through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other relevant agencies as part of its efforts to secure BdM.

Likewise, the task force also demanded that all foreign entities abide by internation...