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Disguised military force
Wrongheadedly asserting outdated notions about the China Coast Guard or CCG show us exactly why some sitting senators shouldn’t be senators. Worse, despite having been schooled by maritime law experts and defense officials, Senators Robinhood Padilla’s and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s smarmy refusals to believe they are wrong about the CCG embarrass the Senate. Hear Padilla sarcastically telling experts during a joint Senate panel hearing into West Philippine Sea issues: ““Ibig niyong sabihin, iba ang definition ng coast guard ng China? Wow, ha, talaga lang, ha (So you mean, the Coast Guard is defined differently by China? Wow, really, are you sure about that)?” Most of us may be excused if last week we didn’t know or pay much attention to the fact that since its 2021 transformation by Chinese domestic law, the CCG is now a military force disguised as a civilian force. But sitting senators can’t claim the same excuse. Senators are expected to at least possess some knowledge of recent international developments since the Senate is constitutionally tasked with scrutinizing and approving the country’s treaties with other countries. Senators are supposed to enlighten us then. But both Padilla and Dela Rosa inspire us instead of their sheer ignorance of recent Chinese developments that directly affect our national interest. Not taking Filipino expert counsel, too, is wholly pathetic. It isn’t only Filipino experts but international maritime law experts who said the CCG’s command and control structure had been changed to that of a military-like organization under the centralized command of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission. True, putting military organizations in charge of maritime law enforcement — which coast guards typically do — is not unique to China. For instance, the United States Coast Guard is one of America’s five armed forces branches and has an explicit defense readiness mission. The French, too, have the Maritime Gendarmerie, a paramilitary police force under the operational control of the chief of staff of the French Navy. Still, the US and French coast guards are considered exceptions rather than the rule insofar as how most countries conceive, structure, and operate their civilian-led coast guards. China did follow the general practice when it put up its coast guard in 2013. Since 2021, however, after a comprehensive China Coast Guard Law took effect, China set its coast guard apart from the rest of Asia, except for Vietnam. China ensuring that military, not civilian government agencies, exert control over its coast guard undoubtedly has far-reaching consequences in the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. For instance, one consequence of a militarized CCG is that China doesn’t need to declare war in her attempts to expand her de facto control over disputed waters. A militarized CCG is enough to bolster China’s preferred strategic approach of “slow intensity or low-intensity coercion.” Other important consequences of CCG’s militarization abound, particularly thorny questions about Chinese CCG law violating significant provisions of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. But that’s for another time. On a more recent topical note, however, our military officials say our armed forces are already preparing for any eventuality should the CCG go beyond firing water cannons when blocking our ships resupplying the beleaguered Ayungin Shoal detachment. Our military’s fears are not unfounded. Article 22 of the CCG law authorizes a CCG vessel to use its weapons without warning against foreign government and civilian vessels. And there are fears the CCG might use weapons deadlier than water cannons and lasers. Some CCG vessels, in fact, are equipped with destroyer-class 76mm guns. It behooves the military, therefore, to keep a close eye on any major equipment changes — like larger caliber guns and missiles — on CCG vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea. The post Disguised military force appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte not keen to lead Marcos drug war
Despite the lobbying of his close allies, Former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte has rejected calls for him to become the country’s anti-drug czar under the Marcos administration. Duterte said he is not keen on leading the government’s anti-drug campaign, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should be given "the greatest elbow room" to do so in a year. “Mukhang hindi na rin tama (I don't think it's right), Pastor, because there is the President duly elected and it is his duty to enforce the law and solve crimes,” Duterte told Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in an interview on the SMNI Channel aired Wednesday night. Duterte preferred to leave the job to Marcos, stressing that “it’s a matter of leadership.” “Let us give Marcos the greatest elbow room leeway to do his job in just one year,” he said. Senators Christopher “Bong” Go earlier raised the idea to make Duterte the anti-drug czar during a Senate hearing into the recent multibillion shabu haul, where various members of the Philippine National Police were implicated for alleged illegal drug trade and cover-up activities. Go said the previous government had significantly reduced drug syndicates and criminality. “It's really necessary, we really need to apply the iron hand to these policemen. They really need to be scared,” he stressed. Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela, who was Duterte’s PNP chief when the anti-drug war was launched, backed Go’s recommendation, saying the former President is a good fit for the position. ”Ako, personally, maganda sana. Babalik iyong takot ng mga drug syndicate, particularly sa mga pulis na involved dito sa drugs, mga ninja cop,” he said in an earlier interview. The post Duterte not keen to lead Marcos drug war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SMX hosts 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show
Sportsmen and gun enthusiasts are setting their sights on this year’s 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show featuring the latest firearms, accessories, and sporting goods on display on 25 to 29 May at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers Inc., or AFAD, said it is anticipating all-out participation from exhibitors and members of the group, which is also a strong advocate for responsible gun ownership. Senators Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, along with top officials from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Executive department were invited as guests during the opening ceremony set at 10 a. m. AFAD president Alaric Topacio said that aside from the usual activities on the renewal of licenses in close coordination with the PNP, participants have a chance to attend seminars on gun safety and proper use of firearms. “The education and the promotion of responsible gun ownership is one of the main goals of AFAD. We must continue to promote responsible gun ownership as the animosity towards firearms has always been there,” Topacio said. The 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show will feature exhibitors such as Stronghand Incorporated, Final Option Trading Corporation, Force Site Inc, Lynx Firearms and Ammunition; Tactical Precision Trading, Armscor Shooting Center, Defensive Armament Resource Corp., Topspot Guns and Ammo, Lordman Leathercraft Guns and Ammo, True Weight, Tactics SOG Industries Inc., Trust Trade and PB Dionisio and Co. Inc. Also exhibiting are Tactical Corner Inc., Squires Bingham Intl./Armscor, Shooters Guns and Ammo Corp., Nashe Enterprises, Willi Hahn Enterprises, Metro Arms Corporation, R. Espineli Trading, Imperial Guns, Ammo & Accessories, Lock and Load Firearms and Sporting Goods, Pascual Gun Works, and Metro Sporting. The post SMX hosts 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Killua
News on the brutal killing of Killua, the Golden Retriever from Bato, Camarines Sur, has ignited a wave of public outcry, particularly among animal-loving Filipinos......»»
Israel bombs Gaza, fights Hamas around hospitals
Israeli forces pounded besieged Gaza on Wednesday and fought Hamas around several hospitals, despite a UN Security Council demand for a ceasefire. Talks in Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal involving US and Egyptian mediators have brought no result so far, with Israel and the Palestinian militant group blaming each other. READ: Israel.....»»
Moira Dela Torre highlights value of giving credit following viral copyright issue
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Alden Richards, Jericho Rosales, Dominic Roque among stars at Kathryn Bernardo s yacht party
Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo celebrated her 28th birthday with close friends on a yacht......»»
Sheryl na-starstruck kay Ate Guy; Martin may pa-Tortang Talong!
HINDI napigilan ng Kapuso actress at singer na si Sheryl Cruz ang magpaka-fan girl nang makita up close and personal ang Superstar na si Nora Aunor. Inamin ng seasoned actress na na-starstruck siya nang makasama ang National Artist sa taping ng GMA afternoon series na “Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law.” Baka Bet Mo: Ellen hinamon ng netizens.....»»
Philippine scientists harassed by China helicopter
Another case of harassment at sea by the Chinese has been reported – this time near Pag-Asa Island last Saturday – involving a helicopter, which hovered dangerously close to a group of Filipino scientists doing research work on a sand bar called Sandy Cay, causing minor injuries......»»
Moira’s advice to people on weight loss journey: ‘Don’t be too hard on yourself’
Moira dela Torre disclosed that she became bulimic at one point during her weight loss journey......»»
Flintlock: A Classic Summer Blockbuster – The Daily Guardia
A44 Games, a New Zealand-based developer, is set to release their highly-anticipated third-person action-RPG, Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn. The game pays homage to the.....»»
Indian Coast Guard ship docks at Manila port amid tensions in South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): Amid tensions in the South China Sea, the Indian Coast Guard ship, Samudra Paheredar docked at the Manila Bay in the Philippines as part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstrating ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official release on Tuesday. The ICG ship which arrived at the port on Monday, is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN c.....»»
Philippine scientists harassed by China helicoper
Another case of harassment at sea by the Chinese has been reported – this time near Pag-Asa Island last Saturday – involving a helicopter, which hovered dangerously close to a group of Filipino scientists doing research work on a sand bar called Sandy Cay, causing minor injuries......»»
Davao police clueless on Quiboloy’s whereabouts
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Police authorities in the Davao region claim they are still clueless on the whereabouts of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. The Senate had earlier ordered the arrest of Quiboloy for his continued refusal to attend its investigation of alleged human trafficking and child abuse. Police major Catheine Dela Rey, Police […].....»»
Police beef up security in Davao region for Holy Week
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 March) – Around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to secure various areas in the Davao region for the Holy Week observance, an official of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao said on Monday. Police Major Catherine Dela Rey, PRO-Davao spokesperson, said the deployment of more security personnel was intended to ensure that […].....»»
Dating child star na si Krystal Reyes engaged na sa non-showbiz BF
ENGAGED na ang former child star na si Krystal Reyes sa kanyang non-showbiz boyfriend na si Lawrence dela Cruz. Ibinandera ni Krystal sa kanyang Instagram account kahapon, March 25, ang ginawang marriage proposal sa kanya ng partner. Makikita sa photo na ipinost ng dating child actress sa IG ang kanyang fiancé na nakaluhod sa harapan.....»»
Hamas tells mediators it will stick to original position on ceasefire
Hamas earlier presents a Gaza ceasefire proposal to mediators and the United States in mid-March that includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freedom for Palestinian prisoners, 100 of whom are serving life sentences.....»»
Phl booters eye revenge vs Iraqis
After a close loss to Iraq in Basra, embattled Philippines aims to see its upset plans through on familiar grounds when it faces the Asian power again tonight in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Stadium......»»
Unique love storyline brings ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ close to viewers
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Mga babala sa Semana Santa para iwas-Budol, Akyat-Bahay, aksidente
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