Senator Christopher "Bong" Go underscored on Thursday the importance of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in the wake of the removal of a Chinese-installed floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal.

Go said his stance is firmly rooted in the principle of defending what rightfully belongs to the Philippines. "What is ours is ours," he said.

Scarborough Shoal, located 200 kilometers from the Philippines, has long been a subject of territorial disputes and conflicts over fishing rights despite being administered by the province of Zambales.

The recent dismantling of the floating barrier obstructing Filipino fishermen's access to the area was carried out by the Philippine Coast Guard.

The removal of the barrier has heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, as China asserts ownership of more than 90 percent of the South China Sea, an area subject to numerous territorial disputes.