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US Bolstering Philippines Amid Increasing Assertiveness by China
washington - The U.S. and Philippines will for the first time venture outside Manila's territorial waters when they begin joint annual combat drills in April, a Philippines government spokesman said Thursday.Colonel Michael Logico said elements of the Balikatan 2024 drills would be conducted about 22 kilometers (more than 12 nautical miles) off the west coast of Palawan, an island in the archipelago nation that.....»»
Chinese coast guard ship hits Philippine coast guard ship, supply boat
MANILA, The Philippines: Increasing concerns of an armed conflict in the disputed South China Sea, a Chinese coast guard ship and an accompanying vessel rammed a Philippine coast guard ship and a military-run supply boat over the weekend off a contested shoal. The Associated Press reported no injuries among the Filipino crew members and the damage to both vessels was being assessed. The two incidents took.....»»
Collision or ramming?
When nations compete for dominance, the concepts of fairness and sovereignty often go by the wayside. This weekend’s collision of Philippine vessels with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea should serve as a vivid reminder of China’s aggressive expansionism in this crucial maritime region. While troubling, this incident is just part of a larger pattern of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels within our territorial waters. China once again relied on its victim-blaming strategy, accusing the Philippines of “deliberately stirring up trouble” in an incident that the Philippine Coast Guard allegedly planned. These claims are ridiculous and unfounded, part of China’s long-running endeavor to legitimize its illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea. But regardless of Beijing’s bluster, the Philippines has the right to stand up to a neighborhood bully. Its claim to sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is firmly rooted in the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, which categorically rejected China’s extensive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap with the West Philippine Sea. This landmark decision made it evident that China’s historical claims do not hold up under international law, in an area where competing claims by other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have sparked geopolitical concerns. Historically, the territorial irritants that have the potential to become full-blown conflicts have centered on fishing rights, oil and gas reserves, and the strategic importance of controlling these waterways. Still, unlike China’s bold territorial expansion and contempt for international jurisprudence, the Philippines’ approach is founded on the rule of law. China’s predilections extend beyond the assertion of spurious territorial claims, as it includes the unauthorized construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. These man-made islands function as military outposts, providing China with a strategic regional advantage. Such acts are not only illegal, but they also pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. As the Philippines struggles for its rights, exposing China’s duplicity on a global scale is critical. While China portrays itself as a rational and responsible nation in international crises such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict, its actions in the South China Sea reflect a different face — that of a regional bully. China cannot preach peace and diplomacy while actively pursuing territorial expansion and disregarding international law when it does not support its aspirations. The collision (or was it an intentional incident of ramming by China of Philippine vessels?) near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands is just the latest chapter in China’s unrelenting pursuit of regional supremacy. Philippine efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and defend international law merit support not only from its neighbors, but also from the world community at large. The West Philippine Sea is more than just a body of water; it represents sovereignty, justice, and the triumph of law over aggression. The Philippines’ resistance to China’s bullying is a fight for the rights of all nations that value international norms, territorial integrity, and conflict resolution through peaceful means. China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea and its disrespect for the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration must be countered by the international community with the position that in the South China Sea, might does not equal right. As we consider the perilous situation in the West Philippine Sea, it’s critical to understand that this is not a one-off occurrence but part of a larger pattern. The Philippines has been subjected to constant harassment by Chinese vessels within its own waters. Filipino fishermen are being harassed, maritime resources (like coral reefs) are being pillaged, and Filipino military troops are being put in danger by Chinese warships that have no business being in Philippine waters. There can never be a repeat of the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, which allowed China to build bases on man-made islands. As it stands resolute against China’s gunboat diplomacy, the Philippines serves as a beacon of hope for all nations confronting unjustified hostility. The Philippines’ dedication to upholding international law, maintaining its sovereignty, and defending its people’s rights is admirable. The post Collision or ramming? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese coastguard and Philippine vessel engage in standoff
MANILA, The Philippines: A Chinese coastguard ship's dangerously close encounter with a Philippine patrol ship near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea has sparked alarm and condemnation. The Philippines strongly protested the incident, highlighting concerns that ongoing territorial disputes in the region could escalate into a larger crisis. The confrontation also involved another Philippine coast.....»»
Be models of excellence, integrity, inductees told
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the new officials of various government agencies to be models of excellence and integrity. In a speech during the oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday in Malacañang, Marcos said that the new officials are “leaders and trailblazers in their own professions” who have demonstrated “patriotism, excellence, and wholehearted service throughout their careers and endeavors.” “I bestow on them the challenging but rewarding responsibility that their respective positions will entail,” Marcos said. He also reminded the new officials that they have a “big break that will change the course of their future” and that their term comes with the promise of “new beginnings, new systems, new practices.” “You now have more opportunities to create improvements in your respective workplaces,” Marcos said. He also emphasized the importance of the new officials’ unwavering commitment and presence to the sectors they serve. “As appointed leaders, your unwavering commitment and even your mere presence daily are crucial to the sectors that you serve [and] to the performance of your respective mandates,” Marcos said. He also expressed his trust that the new officials will remain “models of excellence and integrity, especially to your staff, stakeholders and communities.” Marcos also pledged the administration’s support to the new officials in addressing the pressing concerns that hinder development in the sectors of their communities. “This administration will spare no effort to provide the support necessary to address the pressing concerns that hinder development in the sectors of our communities under your authority,” Marcos said. Finally, Marcos asked the families and loved ones of the new officials to give them their wholehearted support. “Public service is no easy task. Leading an office or a group with such a significant and influential role in the nation’s affairs will be difficult both for them and for you,” Marcos said. “Life in government will always be hard and challenging, but every service delivered brings purpose, it brings fulfillment,” he added. Among the officials inducted were Jennifer Pia Sibug-las, Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria, Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard, and Dennis Anthony Uy, who serves as the Special Envoy to the Republic of Korea for Digital Transformation. This event coincided with the oath-taking ceremony for new officers of various organizations, namely the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Press Photographers of the Philippines, Malacañang Press Corps Malacañang Cameramen Association and Presidential Photojournalists Association. The post Be models of excellence, integrity, inductees told appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM trusts new officials to be ‘models of excellence and integrity’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the new officials of various government agencies to be models of excellence and integrity. In a speech during the oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday in Malacañang, Marcos said that the new officials are "leaders and trailblazers in their own professions" who have demonstrated "patriotism, excellence, and wholehearted service throughout their careers and endeavors." "I bestow on them the challenging but rewarding responsibility that their respective positions will entail," Marcos said. He also reminded the new officials that they have a "big break that will change the course of their future" and that their term comes with the promise of "new beginnings, new systems, new practices." "You now have more opportunities to create improvements in your respective workplaces," Marcos said. He also emphasized the importance of the new officials' unwavering commitment and presence in the sectors they serve. "As appointed leaders, your unwavering commitment and even your mere presence daily are crucial to the sectors that you serve [and] to the performance of your respective mandates," Marcos said. He also expressed his trust that the new officials will remain "models of excellence and integrity, especially to your staff, stakeholders, and communities." Marcos also pledged the administration's support to the new officials in addressing the pressing concerns that hinder development in the sectors of their communities. "This administration will spare no effort to provide the support necessary to address the pressing concerns that hinder development in the sectors of our communities under your authority," Marcos said. Finally, Marcos asked the families and loved ones of the new officials to give them their wholehearted support. "Public service is no easy task. Leading an office or a group with such a significant and influential role in the nation's affairs will be difficult both for them and for you," Marcos said. "Life in government will always be hard and challenging, but every service delivered brings purpose, it brings fulfillment," he added. Officials who the President swore in included Jennifer Pia Sibug-las, Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria, Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard, and Dennis Anthony Uy, who serves as the Special Envoy to the Republic of Korea for Digital Transformation. This event coincided with the oath-taking ceremony for new officers of various organizations, namely the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Press Photographers of the Philippines, Malacañang Press Corps, Malacañang Cameramen Association, and Presidential Photojournalists Association. The post PBBM trusts new officials to be ‘models of excellence and integrity’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl shares anti-trafficking best practices with Thailand
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and Interagency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) have shared their finest anti-trafficking strategies with Thailand's authorities. Representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Social Welfare and Development, IACAT, Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section of the Bureau of Immigration (I-PROBES), and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking (NAIATFT) welcomed Thai delegates to the event, "Regional Knowledge Exchange between Thailand and the Philippines on Emerging Concerns in Trafficking in Persons", held from 25 to 28 September. The foreign delegation was led by Director General Jatuporn Saenghiran of the Thai Department of Trafficking in Persons Litigation, Office of the Attorney General. Representatives from the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking (ACT), the International Justice Mission, and the Thai Bureau of Human Trafficking Crime also attended the event. The event was held at the New Coast Hotel and NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City. Among the topics covered were techniques and difficulties in rescuing trafficking victims, particularly Thai and Filipinos, caught in internet frauds, as well as techniques in repatriating victims. Through persistent work, the Philippines has successfully maintained its Tier 1 position in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report from the United States for eight years running. This accomplishment shows how dedicated the country is to stopping human trafficking and safeguarding its citizens from exploitation. Thai representatives looked over and observed the immigration processes at NAIA Terminal 3's BI arrival and departure area, taking note of its anti-human trafficking protocols. In an effort to combat human trafficking on their own soil, international governments are showing interest in studying the Philippine model, according to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. Tansingco said that human trafficking is a borderless crime; hence, activities like this that discuss best practices allow countries to strengthen and combine their forces to eradicate this societal evil. The post Phl shares anti-trafficking best practices with Thailand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Despite House vow, VP Sara’s confidential funds still ‘intact’
The confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education totaling P650 million have yet to be transferred to security and intel agencies. Lawmaker Johnny Pimentel of Surigao on Thursday disclosed in an interview that the multi-million CF initially allocated to the OVP and DepEd remains within the purview of Vice President Sara Duterte, who governs the two agencies. Duterte sought P2.395 billion for OVP and P758.6 billion for DepEd in the proposed 2024 budget, including P500 million and P150 million in confidential funds, respectively. "At the moment [the OVP's and DepEd's CF is] not yet [transferred] because of time constraints. The budget was passed last night. The confidential funds allocated in each agency [are] still intact," he said. "However, there will be a small committee of four that will tackle the proposed amendment. It could be done there, or it could be done during the bicameral conference," he said. Pimentel was one of the party leaders in the House who decided to realign Duterte's P650 million to agencies involved in security and intelligence, such as the Philippine Coast Guard, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources amid China's persistent assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea. The most recent was the installment of a floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough shoal off the coast of Zambales by the Chinese Coast Guard. The Senate leadership, according to Pimentel, concurs with the House's proposal and has expressed willingness to reallocate such funds to other agencies that most need them. "If you recall, Senate President Migz Zubiri also issued a statement that they will follow suit or follow the direction of the proposal of the lower house to reallocate the confidential intelligence funds," Pimentel said. "So, this will be up for discussions during the bicameral conference meeting or probably during the deliberations in the Senate," he added. The House leadership said it will reallocate Duterte's P650 million confidential funds following a consensus by the chamber's party leaders to augment funds for security and intel agencies to better safeguard Philippine territorial waters and guarantee Filipino fishermen rights and access to their traditional fishing grounds. House committee on appropriations chairperson Elizaldy Co confirmed on Wednesday that the lower chamber agreed to eliminate the confidential and intelligence of several agencies and that the OVP and DepEd were the first to be identified to received the budget cuts. "The country's safety and security are of paramount importance. To protect our territorial integrity from external threats, Congress is giving top priority to agencies directly in charge [of] protecting the country's safety and securing its borders," he stressed. "As discussed, we will realign the confidential funds of various civilian agencies. Now is the time to give our intelligence community the means to perform their duties, especially in these pressing times when we’re facing serious concerns in the West Philippine Sea," Co explained. Marathon deliberations in the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024 have led to intense debates in the House, particularly on the grant of multi-million confidential funds to numerous civilian agencies, including the OVP and DepEd, that have nothing to do with surveillance. Last week's deliberations revealed that Duterte's office spent P125 million in confidential funds in 2022 in merely 11 days— not 19 days-- as initially claimed by some opposition lawmakers. The P125 million CF was part of the P221.42 million contingent fund of the OP transferred to the OVP in 2022, with the opposition claiming it was unconstitutional since there was no line item in the OVP's 2022 budget on confidential funds in the 2022 General Appropriations Act. The post Despite House vow, VP Sara’s confidential funds still ‘intact’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, vice chairperson of the Senate National Defense Committee, stressed in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in light of the removal of a Chinese-installed floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal. "My previous position d'yan, kung ano po ang atin ay atin. What is ours is ours. Ipaglaban po natin kung ano po ang atin," Go declared. For years, the Scarborough Shoal, located 200 kilometers away from the Philippines, has been a contentious area due to disputes over territorial claims and fishing rights. It is administered as a political subdivision of Zambales. Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) carried out a special operation to dismantle the floating barrier that had been hindering Filipino fishermen. "Trabaho po 'yun ng ating mga nasa gobyerno, sa Executive Department, DFA, PCG. I'm sure alam nila ang kanilang ginagawa," Go said, expressing confidence in the government's actions. Go also addressed the issue of barriers that had been removed but were still causing concerns. "Na-clear na ba? Dapat lang. Kung ano nga po ang atin ay atin 'yun, 'wag nating hayaang nakaharang d'yan ang mga barriers. Kung agrabyado naman tayo, kung ano nga po ang atin, ipaglaban po natin. What is ours is ours," he emphasized. Eliminating the barrier has heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, with the latter asserting ownership of more than 90 percent of the commonly referred to as" South China Sea". Go also expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s order to remove the barrier. Previously, Go criticized the series of reported harassments by China particularly in the disputed waters of Ayungin Shoal. He elaborated on the need for a unified stance to protect the country’s rights and rightful claims to its territories and Exclusive Economic Zone. "Dapat po ay respetuhin ang ating karapatan. Kung ano ang karapatan natin na mag-resupply tayo, atin po ‘yon, karapatan po natin ‘yun. Ipaglaban po natin ang ating karapatan," Go reiterated. On 8 September, the Philippine Coast Guard faced interference from the China Coast Guard while navigating to Ayungin Shoal, yet successfully executed their resupply mission. This episode adds to a pattern of maritime tensions, including a prior incident where a Chinese vessel deployed water cannons against a Philippine military ship and another involving the use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. The post ‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ghana bus strapping kills 9
Gunmen killed nine people when they opened fire on a bus in a northern Ghana district struggling with ethnic tensions and concerns over Islamist violence from across the border in Burkina Faso, a local official said Friday. The attack on Thursday morning targeted a bus carrying mostly women on their way to a local market and escorted by police, because of the tensions, in Pusiga district near the volatile Bawku area of Ghana’s Upper East Region. Pusiga district chief Zubeiru Abdulai, a local mayor, told AFP that the nine victims died from gunshot wounds when their bus was ambushed near a remote forest close to the border with both Burkina Faso and Togo. “The vehicle was occupied by mostly women and was being escorted by the police due to the volatile situation in Bawku,” he said. “The police are investigating the incident now and it will be difficult for me to establish the main reason behind the attack.” Police did not immediately respond to calls seeking more details on the attack. Upper East Region has struggled with a decades-long conflict between ethnic Kusasi and Mamprusi communities over the right to choose a new chieftain and over land rights in the mostly Muslim Bawku region, where there is a heavy police and army presence. Those tensions often flare into violence. Jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has also forced people to flee across the frontier into Ghana. Earlier this year, Ghana sent 1,000 more troops and police to Bawku to reinforce security after gunmen killed an immigration officer and wounded two more. Officials did not blame any group for that attack. Ghana’s northern frontier is also an area with well-established smuggling routes, porous borders and illegal gold mining — a combination local officials and experts worry could benefit jihadists. With Islamist militants controlling large parts of Burkina Faso over the border, Western partners are looking to help Ghana and coastal West African neighbors Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast strengthen their defenses to prevent jihadist attacks. With AFP The post Ghana bus strapping kills 9 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Long-game scenario
Employing lawfare and so-called grey zone tactics may point to China preparing for the long haul, according to experts. The tactic involves wearing down its opponents in the South China Sea conflict while waiting for a suitable administration in the United States, which would again give less importance to America’s stabilizing role in the Asia-Pacific region. China’s preparations for a protracted conflict are evident in its latest moves, from making public the 10-dash line claim, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Jakarta, and the water spraying by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel of a Philippine Navy boat on a mission to resupply the grounded Sierra Madre. Regional analysts said China is employing a combination of lawfare, which is the use of legal systems and institutions to undermine an opponent, and gray zone tactics, which are maneuvers short of war that point to a conflict for the long haul. China’s drafting of a new map was timed to reassert its territorial claims and flex its muscles ahead of the ASEAN and G20 Summits. It did gain a measure of success as in the joint statements customarily issued at the end of the events; there was no explicit mention of China despite most members of the regional blocs expressing concerns about its assertive actions in the disputed waters. Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies based at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said the elephant in the room, amid the increasing aggressiveness of the Asian giant, was China’s undergoing multiple crises. Koh said that while lawfare and maritime coercion have been part and parcel of Beijing’s toolkit in the past, “there has been an obvious uptick that coincided with China’s domestic problems, which are property market woes, high youth unemployment, and sluggish exports.” For instance, during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, “the Philippines was subjected to boat swarming tactics similar to those recently seen.” The use of such methods intensified after the Philippines announced an expanded Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States, which Beijing interpreted as one of America’s efforts to intervene in its conflict with Taiwan. For China, digging in and preparing for a long engagement is beneficial. At Ayungin Shoal, China has been blocking Philippine missions to repair the dilapidated landing ship grounded there since it knows that the rusting hull would not last too long and nature will take care of its eventual removal. It can simply wear down the country’s resolve until it abandons its hold on the shoal, or so China believes. China is trying to prevent a united stand in the region since lawfare can be matched by counter-lawfare, such as by tightening existing legal maritime provisions or creating new ones in line with international law to assert the other claimant nations’ interests, according to geopolitical experts. ASEAN has inherent structural limitations make it challenging to take a united position on the South China Sea disputes. China exploits these limitations, such as the ASEAN decision-making process, where a disagreement by one member defeats a unified stand of the 10-nation group. Thus, the role of powers outside the region remains more important than ever to backstop the efforts to maintain stability while following international law. Previous talk about matching the military prowess of China, particularly for the long haul, would be impossible for the Philippines. This was why the alliance with the United States through EDCA was strengthened — to give the Philippines the minimum defense capability against aggressors. The post Long-game scenario appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Chinese Premier Li Qiang that the Philippines will "continue to push for cooperation with China and work toward more partnerships and collaboration" after bringing up "coercive activities" in the South China Sea. The two Asian leaders met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China Summit earlier this week, where Marcos Jr. underscored the need for an international law-based code of conduct in the South China Sea. During the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Marcos Jr. raised concerns about "hegemonic ambitions" in the South China Sea. He urged other Southeast Asian leaders to find "practical" ways to protect the bloc's interests in the strategic waterway. "The President said that the Philippines will continue to push for cooperation with China and work towards more partnerships and collaboration," the statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) read. "He earlier said that he is pleased with the latest developments in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and that the Philippines will assert its rights in accordance with international law," it added. During the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos said that the Philippines still believes that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the rule of law should be used to settle maritime conflicts. Before the ASEAN-China Summit, Marcos called out "misleading stories that frame the disputes in the SCS only through the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries." Marcos last talked to a high-level Chinese official at the ASEAN Summit with China. This happened a few days after Beijing's new 10-dash line and a few weeks after the water cannon incident in the West Philippine Sea, which made things worse between the Philippines and China. In August, Marcos said that the Philippines sent a note verbale to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after the latest incident in Ayungin Shoal, where the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly used water cannons and harmful actions against Philippine vessels. The CCG said it had taken "necessary controls" against Philippine boats that had "illegally" entered its waters. Several countries, led by the U.S., Australia, Japan, and Canada, came out in support of Manila and criticized China's actions. This is the latest in a series of events this year where Philippine ships have been harassed by Chinese ships. Li, on the other hand, said on Wednesday that Beijing's "good neighborly friendship" with ASEAN countries has grown. “We have been committed to mutual assistance and our good neighborly friendship has become stronger… We seek common ground while setting aside differences, properly handle disagreements through dialogues and consultations and consistently deepen practical cooperation in the traditional and non-traditional security views,” the Chinese official said at the ASEAN-China Summit The post Phl will push cooperation with Chn but also uphold UNCLOS—PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NoKor missile launches alarming — BBM
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the recent surge of intercontinental ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK. During his intervention at the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Summit on Wednesday, Marcos underscored the need for the DPRK to fully comply with all UN Security Council resolutions. North Korea, often referred to as DPRK and NoKor, carried out what it called the second military reconnaissance satellite launch from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last 24 August. Several reports said the launch was unsuccessful due to an in-flight error. The launch came after a prior satellite launch attempt on 31 May. Based on official reports, the nation is planning to carry out a third satellite launch in October. “We (...) affirm our support for the principles embodied in the RoK’s audacious initiative that aims to achieve a denuclearized DPRK, an essential component for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and the world,” Marcos said. The RoK may be better known as South Korea. Marcos also appreciated the RoK’s continued support in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as a key pillar of the rules-based international order. “We share concerns on the militarization of reclaimed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and other coercive activities,” he said. “We are equally alarmed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing which are being detected.” Marcos also welcomed the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which will further deepen ASEAN and RoK’s collaboration on common political, economic, social and cultural concerns. “In particular, we welcome the enhancing policy dialogue on maritime affairs with the RoK under the initiative to contribute to the overall enhancement of ASEAN-RoK comprehensive security cooperation,” he said. Marcos also thanked the RoK for its valuable assistance in addressing the recent oil spill in Mindoro and for its contributions to emergency humanitarian assistance for the damage caused by the recent typhoons. The post NoKor missile launches alarming — BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM expresses support for ROK’s initiative for a denuclearized NoKor
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the recent surge of intercontinental ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. During his intervention at the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Summit on September 6, 2023, Marcos Jr. underscored the need for the DPRK to fully comply with all UN Security Council Resolutions. For context, North Korea, often referred to as DPRK, carried out what it termed as its second military reconnaissance satellite launch from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last 24 August. Several reports mentioned that the launch was unsuccessful due to an in-flight error. This launch comes after a prior satellite launch attempt on 31 May. Based on official reports, the nation is planning to carry out a third satellite launch in October. "We (...) affirm our support for the principles embodied in the ROK's audacious initiative that aims to achieve a denuclearized DPRK, an essential component for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and the world," Marcos said. Marcos also appreciated the ROK's continued support in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a key pillar of the rules-based international order. "We share concerns on the militarization of reclaimed features; the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels; and other coercive activities," he said. "We are equally alarmed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing which are being detected." Marcos also welcomed the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), which will further deepen ASEAN and ROK's collaboration on common political, economic, social, and cultural concerns. "In particular, we welcome the enhancing policy dialogue on maritime affairs with the ROK under the initiative to contribute to the overall enhancement of ASEAN-ROK comprehensive security cooperation," he said. Marcos also thanked the ROK for its valuable assistance in addressing the recent oil spill in Mindoro and for its contributions in emergency humanitarian assistance for the damages caused by the recent typhoons. "We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said. On the economic front, Marcos said that ASEAN and ROK will continue efforts at enhancing ASEAN connectivity and supply chains to further expand mutual trade through the effective implementation of ASEAN-ROK economic cooperation projects and programs. He also underscored ASEAN's strong partnership with the ROK on preserving biodiversity throughout the years. "We thank the ROK for its consistent support for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, located in the Philippines, in fulfilling their vision of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity," he said. Marcos concluded by welcoming ROK's intention to elevate their relation with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said. "Such deepening relations continue to serve as a good indicator of the development and evolution of the ASEAN-ROK relation." The post PBBM expresses support for ROK’s initiative for a denuclearized NoKor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Starfish outbreak threatens Palawan coral reefs
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — An alarming outbreak of crown-of-thorn starfish in the northern coral reefs of Palawan has raised concerns among local authorities, prompting urgent efforts to curb their rapid spread. The outbreak, which has been reported in several key areas including El Nido, Linapacan, Taytay, Dumaran and Araceli, has sparked fears of irreversible damage to the province’s vital marine ecosystem. Board member Nieves Rosento disclosed the alarming figures on 22 August to the Provincial Board of Palawan. “In Linapacan, almost 1,800 COTS were collected by local divers. And then in El Nido, a staggering 65,209 were collected, according to data from the Malampaya Foundation,” Rosento said. Efforts to contain the outbreak have been underway in El Nido since 2009, led by dedicated volunteers from the local government. But Rosento warned the crisis is intensifying, as a recent collection in El Nido yielded 3,577 additional COTS. This surge in numbers has put Palawan’s corals at significant risk, not to mention imposed a financial burden on affected communities. “Based on our experience in El Nido, the process of collecting these starfish costs around P25,000-28,000. We don’t include payment for the divers because they’re volunteers. Normally, costs go toward fuel, food, vinegar and the divers’ air tanks,” Rosento explained. The volunteers have developed an innovative approach utilizing syringes filled with vinegar. Armed with these syringes, they plunge into the waters to inject the vinegar solution directly into the mouths of the COTS. This prompts the starfish, the venomous spikes of which prevent manual removal, to detach from the corals. Once dislodged, the COTS are transported to a safe location away from the coast to ensure that their toxic spikes do not endanger the underwater environment. The severity of the outbreak can be attributed to the COTS’ unique reproductive cycle. Unlike most starfish, which regenerate from a single limb, COTS engage in broadcast spawning. This method involves releasing eggs and sperm into the water, allowing fertilization to occur wherever the currents carry these reproductive elements. The starfish mature into adults within two to three years, producing between 60 to 100 million eggs. To counter the infestation, Rosento urged for a resolution that allocates funding and equipment to the volunteers. She also called upon local government units to maintain close surveillance of their reefs to supplement existing data and thwart further infections. Rosento also advocated for the introduction of COTS’ natural predators into affected areas. Giant triton snails, crabs, lobsters and other bottom-dwelling fish were recommended as potential solutions to curb the outbreak. “This is a temporary measure, but it can help prevent the COTS from reaching maturity,” Rosento said, underlining the pressing need for swift and sustained action to safeguard Palawan’s precious coral reefs. The post Starfish outbreak threatens Palawan coral reefs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall?
The President’s appointment of Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. as Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China for Special Concerns — a post he will hold on top of his day job as Philippine Ambassador to Great Britain and Ireland — is a daring, if astute, move. Daring because Locsin is not known to hold back with either word or deed to express what he feels strongly about, e.g., the dirty finger, and astute because in naming Locsin, the President couldn’t have found a better, smarter, and more seasoned man to represent Philippine interests with singular loyalty and devotion to the republic. Locsin was, of course, the former dispensation’s Ambassador to the United Nations where he, fluent as he is in Spanish, enjoyed congenial relations and camaraderie with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the rest of the Spanish-speaking members of the Latin America bloc in the multilateral organization. The former journalist (his father, Teodoro M. Locsin Sr., was publisher of the legendary Free Press) and Makati congressman was subsequently appointed by then President Duterte Secretary of Foreign Affairs, during whose tenure 45 diplomatic protests were filed against Beijing, including over a law that allows the China Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippines, in fact, during Locsin’s term as DFA Secretary was the first country in the world to file a diplomatic protest through a note verbale in January 2021 against China’s Coast Guard Law. As Foreign Affairs Secretary, he laid claim to “assiduously protesting every infringement on Philippine territory and sovereign right, as well as Chinese actions that amounted to provocation, threats or coercion.” The DFA, with Locsin at its helm, raised the South China Sea dispute in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other fora even as it continued to engage China through the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea. His accomplishments included the two diplomatic protests filed by the DFA in May 2021 over the “incessant, illegal presence” of Chinese militia disguised as fishermen in fishing boats and the Chinese Coast Guard “shadowing, blocking, conducting dangerous maneuvers and radio challenges against Philippine Coast Guard vessels in the WPS,” which an irate Locsin accompanied with a separate post on Twitter saying, “China my friend, how politely can I put it? Let me see. O.. GET THE F**CK OUT. What are you doing to our friendship? You. Not us….” He eventually apologized to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian for his intemperate language after then-President Duterte reminded him that only he (Duterte) could spew profanities while engaging in diplomacy. Whatever advice President Marcos may have received before he named Locsin to the post must have detailed certain actions by the former DFA chief towards the Chinese. That these did not deter the President from naming Locsin anyway signifies that he sees more in Locsin than his capacity for displaying outrage in a provocative manner. Many have lauded the choice of Locsin by the President. Indeed, we hold our breath as Locsin sets out to engage with the top Chinese officialdom in Beijing. We are curious to see what charms and ingenious diplomatic skills he will pull from his sleeve and whether these will make the Chinese finally accept, for instance, the 2016 ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal that said China has no lawful claim over waters determined to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. It will be interesting to see if Locsin will be able to clinch his objectives and score well enough to make him, and the country, feel like soaring over — instead of crashing into — China’s Great Wall. The post Will Locsin soar over or crash into Great Wall? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kalayaan declares Chinese envoy persona non grata
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The municipal council of Kalayaan unanimously approved Wednesday a measure declaring Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian persona non grata, signifying their strong opposition to his presence in their area at any time. Councilor Maurice Philip Alexis Albayda’s resolution will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Senate, and the Chinese Embassy in Manila to convey the sentiments of the island town. Albayda said this will serve to inform high government officials of their feelings and to make Xilian aware of their strong concerns regarding his country’s oppressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, where their hometown Kalayaan is located. The resolution was prompted by the 5 August incident during which China Coast Guard ships attempted to ram and used a water cannon on two supply boats being escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard. Albayda said the aggressive behavior by China not only put the lives of the supply boats’ crew and passengers at risk but also of the crew aboard the escorting PCG’s BRP Cabra who included three Kalayaan residents. “Did you know that we had fellow Kalayaan residents on board the BRP Cabra? Yes, they were there,” he said. “Without a doubt, the actions of our neighboring country are truly infuriating.” The Kalayaan residents were en route to Lawak Island at the time to build a shelter for coastal enforcers, he said. “I want to propose that we declare Ambassador Huang Xilian persona non grata in the town of Kalayaan, the only town in the West Philippine Sea,” Albayda said in his privilege speech shortly before the resolution was passed. Albayda also said he was calling on the DFA to downgrade the Philippines’ diplomatic relationship with China given what it is doing in ignoring the safety of the people in the WPS. Kalayaan Vice Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan supported Albayda’s move declaring Xilian persona non grata. “I’ve personally experienced China’s harassment, like being driven away, but the situation with the two supply boats was much more intense,” Alindogan said, emphasizing that Kalayaan should also communicate to China their strong disapproval of its actions. He said he has volunteered to join the reservists and encouraged the military to conduct training on Pag-asa Island, to allow residents to display their patriotism. Former Kalayaan Mayor Joel Bito-onon, who is now a municipal councilor, also voted to approve the declaration against Xilian, but cautioned that it might jeopardize diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines given what happened in the past when two government officials were denied entry to Hong Kong. “Since way back, I’ve thought that due to China’s deceptive behavior, very deceitful. They say one thing, do another. I’ve seen countless instances on YouTube of them overturning ships, like what they did to Vietnam. I’ve wondered when that will happen in the Philippines. And now, this incident with our supply boats, it’s the worst that I have seen so far,” Bito-onon said. “But I’m thinking, maybe we should add a bit more wisdom, because you might end up like me, being told not to go to any city in China,” he added. Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero on Wednesday said he will propose the allocation of at least P100 million in the 2024 national budget to fund the construction of permanent structures at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea “to strengthen the country’s presence in the contested maritime territory.” “I will propose the allocation of a minimum of P100 million to fund the construction of a pier and lodging structures for our soldiers assigned in the area, and for our fishermen who might seek temporary refuge in times of bad weather,” Escudero told the Senate reporters. The senator said the structures could serve as permanent lodging for military personnel stationed at the old BRP Sierra Madre, a warship intentionally grounded in the shoal in 1999 as a Philippine military outpost. It can also serve as temporary shelter for foreign fishermen “who will be caught in bad weather” in the waters. Lade JEAn Kabagani @tribunephl_Lade The post Kalayaan declares Chinese envoy persona non grata appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
U.S. must step up too
American analysts have been exploring the possible ways the West Philippine Sea conflict will play out primarily with the so-called “gray zone” maneuvers by China in the disputed waters in which non-military activities are employed for coercion. The United States Institute of Peace, or USIP, a federal body tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention worldwide, is reviewing ways that Washington can play a role in de-escalating the tension in the region. The review was sparked by an act of aggression last week when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel deployed a water cannon to redirect an unarmed Philippine Navy supply boat. China blamed the incident on the Philippine government’s continued defiance of an earlier understanding to ban the delivery of construction materials to the beached BRP Sierra Madre navy vessel at Ayungin Shoal. Tensions have been on the rise since last year on China’s perception that Manila was moving closer to Washington, prompting a more aggressive assertion of its claim over most of the West Philippine Sea. “Given that Washington and Manila have a mutual defense treaty, there is credible concern that an incident like this could trigger a wider US-China conflict,” according to the USIP. Under a new Philippine administration, the formerly conciliatory approach the country had taken in its dispute with China has shifted. Instead, Brian Harding, USIP senior expert for Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has highlighted China’s efforts to swarm and intimidate fishing and coast guard vessels to take the bold move of deepening defense ties with the United States, bringing China-Philippines ties to a new low. Ayungin Shoal, the USIP expert said, has long been a likely candidate for the first showdown between the Philippines and China since Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also identified the shoal, in a speech the other day, as one of five possible flashpoints that may lead to a deeper maritime conflict. In 1999, the Philippines intentionally beached a World War II naval vessel on a submerged reef, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, and has since maintained a small contingent of Marines on board in extremely austere conditions. As a practical matter, in recent years China has turned a blind eye to the Philippines replenishing supplies for the Marines but has blocked the delivery of materials that could be used to repair the ship. USIP’s Andrew Scobell, a China expert, said the recent aggressive actions of a large China Coast Guard vessel on a tiny Filipino Navy supply boat was merely the latest episode in a decades-long campaign of intimidation and coercion by Beijing. Based on its insisted-on nine-dash line boundaries, Beijing claims the right to restrict access to ships from other countries to the South China Sea. “Many of (China’s) white-hulled ships are far larger, much better equipped, and more intimidating than the gray hull naval vessels possessed by most Southeast Asian states,” USIP said. China has persisted in its well-orchestrated campaign of low-intensity conflict, what is widely called “gray zone” actions, to forcefully advance its claims and aggressively push back against rivals. Carla Freeman, a senior USIP expert on China, said that beyond the effort to persuade and deter China, the US should engage in diplomacy to encourage allies and partners in the region to make clear to Beijing their own concerns about the risks to peace posed by confrontation. Regional allies have already issued statements criticizing China’s behavior, with Tokyo using unusually strong language to condemn China’s conduct, the USIP said. Like the Philippines’ position, the USIP said that Washington’s efforts in support of a binding code of conduct, or CoC, would be key to preventing conflict. The USIP, nonetheless, sees as a major obstacle toward progress in the United States itself since it is limited in its diplomatic capabilities after it failed to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Taking the high road in the simmering conflict, thus, would need both the US and China to review their positions of leadership to keep the stability in the region. The post U.S. must step up too appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teddy Boy Locsin appointed special envoy to China, will retain UK post
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. as the President's Special Envoy to the People's Republic of China for Special Concerns, Presidential Communications Office announced on Wednesday. "Mr. Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. was appointed as the Special Envoy of the President to the People's Republic of China for Special Concerns," the Presidential Communications Office said on a Facebook post. Locsin's designation came amid increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, following an incident where the Chinese Coast Guard employed a water cannon against Filipino vessels at Ayungin Shoal. In a Viber message to Palace reporters, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said that Locsin is "on a concurrent position" as the Philippines’ ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Chief Executive appointed Locsin as the UK ambassador with concurrent jurisdiction over Ireland, Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey, and Bailiwick of Guernsey last 30 August 2022. Locsin was the Foreign Affairs secretary during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. The post Teddy Boy Locsin appointed special envoy to China, will retain UK post appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI inspects dredging vessels in Manila Bay reclamation sites
Following concerns on their activities in the area, dredging vessels located in reclamation sites in Pasay City were inspected by Bureau of Immigration (BI) personnel on Friday. Conducted with the Philippine Coast Guard, the inspection led by officers of the BI’s Bay Service Section and Intelligence Division also came following an order by President Ferdinand […].....»»