By

Chinyelu okeke

Manila, June 2026 – Philippine authorities are closely monitoring the influx of Chinese nationals and the extraction of mineral resources following reports of Chinese activities and the construction of a structure near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the WPS, said on Sunday that the military is tracking the movement of rare earth minerals and black sand allegedly being extracted from Philippine territory.

He noted that some Chinese entities have reportedly coordinated with local government units for dredging operations linked to black sand mining and the extraction of rare earth minerals.

“‘Yung rare earth minerals na binabantayan natin include the influx of foreign nationals coming from mainland China. Marami itong binabantayan natin sa lupa natin, hindi lamang sa karagatan,” Trinidad told Super Radyo dzBB.

Translation: “The rare earth minerals we are monitoring include concerns about the influx of foreign nationals from mainland China. We are watching many activities on our land, not just in our waters.”

“We are closely monitoring many areas in our territory, not only in our waters but also on land,” he added.

Strong legal case possible
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza said the Philippines would have a strong case if it decides to pursue new legal action over the reported activities.