Philippines, Japan armed forces discuss collaboration, proposed defense pact
The two met when Centino led the AFP delegation to this year’s Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) held in Japan last week, from March 14 to 17......»»
Philippines resupply boatheavily damaged
Again, using water cannons and executing dangerous maneuvers, the Chinese coast guard made another attempt yesterday to block Filipino vessels from resupplying a military outpost on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, causing “major damage” and triggering condemnation from the US, the European Union and Japan......»»
Melvin Jerusalem vows to end PHL’s world title drought in boxing
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Before Filipino boxers lost devastatingly in Japan, there was one who stood out and went on to become a world champion. He’s no other than Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem, who wrested the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world minimumweight title in the hands of erstwhile champion Masataka Taniguchi. Jerusalem did it in a.....»»
Gealon: Probe companies with colorum vehicles
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A citywide crackdown is being implemented against colorum vehicles or illegally operating public utility vehicles (PUVs). This after Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon’s proposed a resolution was approved during the council’s regular session on March 20, requesting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct operations against colorum trucks operating in the.....»»
Big Dome, MOA eyed for FIVB world meet
The Philippines will be the only second Asian country, next to Japan, to host the FIVB Men’s World Championship when the 32 best teams in the world converge on local soil to duke it out for the coveted volley crown on Sept. 12 to 28 next year......»»
First poster ng ‘Secret Ingredient’ ni Julia, 2 Asian actors ibinandera na
HUMANDA na sa nakakatakam na upcoming romantic series! Ipinasilip na ang first poster para sa K-Drama na “Secret Ingredient” na pinagbibidahan ng Pinay actress na si Julia Barretto, kasama ang Korean star na si Sang Heon Lee at Indonesian actor na si Nicholas Saputra. Ang serye ang kauna-unahang collaboration ng Viu Philippines at Unilever Nutrition.....»»
Biden to Host Japan PM Kishida, Philippines President Marcos
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a White House summit next month amid growing concerns about North Korea's nuclear program, provocative Chinese action in the South China Sea and differences over a Japanese company's plan to buy an iconic American steel company.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a sta.....»»
Biden to host trilateral summit with Japan, Philippines on April 11
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US President Joe Biden will host a three-way summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in Washington on April 11, as announced by the White House, as reported by Kyodo News. This historic summit, the first of its kind involving the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, aims to bolster defence cooperation in response to China's asse.....»»
US warns China against armed attack on Philippines
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China on Tuesday, stating that any "armed" attack on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea would activate a mutual self-defence agreement between Washington and Manila, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region that could potentially embroil the United States in conflict with Beijing, as reported by The New York Times. Despite th.....»»
China, Not Russia, Still Tops List of Threats to US
WASHINGTON - Russia's war in Ukraine - portrayed by top U.S. officials as posing a danger to the United States itself - still trails China when it comes to long-term threats to America's security, according to a top Pentagon official.The warning from Ely Ratner, the Defense Department's assistant secretary for Indo-Pacific security affairs, comes in testimony prepared for a hearing Wednesday by the House Armed S.....»»
Marcos to AFP: Enhance training, be ready
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday told the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be "ready to defend the archipelago from emerging threats." Speaking with recently promoted generals and flag officers of the AFP in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. cited the need to strengthen the nation's internal security stance. "We must be ready. Our Armed Forces must be capable of securing and defending the archipelago from emerging threats. I urge you (to enhance joint planning and operations further) to ensure interoperability across all AFP," Marcos said. Marcos made these statements days after Chinese ships collided with Philippine boats that were conducting a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal this week. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the Philippines lodged another diplomatic protest against China on Monday following the "dangerous maneuvers" of the two foreign ships. “We are always hopeful that China will act as a responsible member of the international community and that it will respect our sovereignty and our sovereign rights,” DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a press conference. The DFA stated that it intends to utilize all the available diplomatic procedures to their maximum extent. In addition to receiving promotions, Marcos said the new AFP leaders are expected to carry out their duties with integrity and moral rectitude. "While it is noteworthy that we see positive and encouraging developments in terms of our internal security situation, there remains much to be done. We must maintain our vigilance and guard against those actors, whatever nature or form they may take, who would threaten or jeopardize the peace we have striven and fought for all these many years," Marcos said. "Sustain and foster greater collaboration with other government agencies and civil society groups, harnessing their respective knowledge, specializations and technical expertise in coming up with innovative, effective, efficient solutions to the challenges that stand in the way of achieving peace and unity," he added. The post Marcos to AFP: Enhance training, be ready appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CIDG seizes 53 unlicensed firearms
The Philippine National Police on Monday reported the confiscation of 53 firearms that resulted in the arrest of an unlicensed gun dealer in Marikina City. In a press conference held at Camp Crame, PNP chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group busted the unlicensed firearms on Friday in Marikina City and opted not to identify the suspect. The country’s top cop said the successful operation conducted by the CIDG is part of the aggressive security measures to ensure peaceful and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. He said to prevent the use of unlicensed firearms as part of the directives to all PNP units to intensify their efforts against the proliferation of loose firearms and recognize the potential risks and threats, especially with the upcoming BSKE this month. Acorda said the CIDG armed with two search warrants issued by the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court, National Capital Judicial Region of Marikina in collaboration with other PNP units, swooped down on the residence and store of an unlicensed gun dealer which resulted in the recovery and confiscation of 26 long firearms, 27 short firearms, assorted ammunition, as well as major and minor parts, tools, and machines used in manufacturing firearms. Acorda said the arrested person had no license to operate a firearms business and had not submitted any application to the PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office for dealing and manufacturing firearms. He said that based on the investigation revealed that the suspect uses his establishment and social media to trade unlicensed firearms wherein among his customers are high-profile gun enthusiasts, politicians with alleged private armies, and some uniformed personnel from the police and military.” “The person arrested is also involved in online selling and some of his clients are private individuals who are maintaining PAGs (private armed groups). That is what we are afraid of. So in line with that with the intention of keeping our BSKE and also our streets safer, for every firearm that we are confiscating and reducing, for each firearm that falls under the hands of criminals or especially those that are not licensed they are perceived to be not responsible gun owners. With every accomplishment we have now it means that our streets are safer, every reduction in that gun makes our community safer,” he said. The post CIDG seizes 53 unlicensed firearms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Agusan Norte welcomes first peace center
DAVAO CITY — The provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Eastern Mindanao has inaugurated last 20 September 2023 the “Kagawasan 143” Peace Center — the first of its kind in the country. The facility is seen to build bridges of understanding and support for former rebels who have chosen the path of peace and reconciliation, while also providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to reintegrate into society successfully. OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao director Atty. Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña revealed that the peace center would serve as a hub for community engagement, where FRS can come together to discuss and address local issues, share ideas, and build a stronger, more cohesive community. She added that OPAPRU would closely collaborate with the “Kagawasan 143” Peace Center that would actively support and engage in peacebuilding initiatives within the city, and the province of Agusan del Norte working closely with grassroots organizations, local organizations, the academe and other government agencies to promote conflict resolution and social harmony. “This endeavor is part of the OPAPRU’s Localized Peace Engagements Cluster’s Transformation Program for FRs in close collaboration with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC,” said Lapiña. The OPAPRU official also vowed to transfer P5 million to initially fund the operations of the 143 Peace Center that would strengthen the implementation of the OPAPRU’s Localized Peace Engagements Cluster’s Transformation Program in the province. The post Agusan Norte welcomes first peace center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl joins anew the global effort to protect oceans
Thousands of volunteers in over 150 countries, joined the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, a global initiative dedicated to addressing ocean pollution through beach and waterway cleanups held every third Saturday of September. Now in its 37th year, the Philippines has been participating in the ICC since 1994. In 2003, Proclamation No. 470 officially designated the third Saturday in September as ICC Day, instilling a sense of vigilance among Filipinos in their support of the ongoing global fight against marine litter. The theme "Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries" is carried out by this year’s ICC which aligns closely with the objectives of the United Nations (UN) Ocean Decade Challenge 3 which is to “Sustainably Feed the Global Population”. This challenge recognizes the need to ensure sustainable food production from the ocean to feed the growing global population while safeguarding the health and productivity of marine ecosystems. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in partnership with numerous organizations, took the lead in coordinating cleanups in various water bodies across the country. An estimated 35,000 volunteers armed with sacks, rakes, and gloves joined forces for the cleanup effort across the country. Participants included individuals and groups from the DENR workforce, national and local government agencies, academia, the private sector, youth organizations, civic groups, and civil society. Concurrent coastal cleanups led by various DENR offices and bureaus were held nationwide including key areas such as the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park; the Tullahan River along Barangay San Bartolome in Novaliches, Quezon City; Baseco Beach in Manila; the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park in Bataan; Barangay Butong Taal in Batangas; the Mactan Channel in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu; the Abatan River and Panglao in Bohol; Banica River in Dumaguete; Bais City, Negros Oriental; and along the shore of Pagadian Bay in Zamboanga Del Sur. The DENR regional and field offices also partnered with SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, together with SM Prime Holdings, Inc., in organizing clean-up drives in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Fifteen SM Malls were designated as a base that enabled volunteers, including SM employees, to actively participate in the cleanup drive. Likewise, regional offices of the Department have collaborated with UNTV offices across the country under the latter’s advocacy campaign Ocean Care Initiative. Beyond waste retrieval, ICC volunteers documented the volume of waste collected which will be submitted to Ocean Conservancy and UN Ocean Decade to contribute to global efforts to combat plastic pollution. During the 2022 ICC, findings of the Global Ocean Trash Index conducted by Washington, D.C.-based environmentalist advocacy group Ocean Conservancy showed that the Philippines collected 249.382 metric tons of waste. The collected waste encompassed a spectrum of items, including cigarette butts, beverage bottles, food wrappers, bottle caps, grocery bags, food containers, cups and plates, straws, and stirrers. DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said her department's unwavering commitment to enacting effective solid waste management practices, supports a circular economy wherein all plastics are reused, recycled, repurposed, and responsibly managed. The DENR, she added, in collaboration with organizations, implements a range of programs to address solid waste in cities and municipalities nationwide. This is in support of reinforcing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 or Republic Act 11898 which mandates enterprises to establish EPR programs for plastic waste reduction, recovery, and diversion. The post Phl joins anew the global effort to protect oceans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner, US envoy, USAF chief to visit EDCA sites in Cagayan, Pampanga
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., United States Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson and US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral John Aquilino will be visiting facilities within the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites located in Lal-lo Airport and Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan and in Basa Air Base, Pampanga tomorrow, Wednesday. AFP Public Affairs chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said Brawner, Carlson and Aquilino will conduct an “extensive tour” at the completed EDCA projects in Basa Air Base, along with other high-ranking AFP and U.S. Armed Forces officers. “The tour will also provide an opportunity for the senior military officials to gain firsthand knowledge of the bases' potential for the development of key facilities to support HADR operations and modernization priorities of the AFP,” Ileto told reporters on Tuesday. After the visit, the Philippines and US delegations will attend the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board meeting at the Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday, 14 September. Ileto said: “These underscore the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and United States militaries in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster response efforts,” while Brawner and Aquilino’s visit to EDCA sites “signifies the commitment of both AFP and US Armed Forces to further strengthen its mutual cooperation.” This also ensures that both militaries are “prepared and well-equipped to respond to evolving security challenges and humanitarian crises,” he added. “The AFP looks forward to sharing insights from this visit and the MDB-SEB meeting, which together contribute to the enduring partnership between the two nations,” Ileto said. The post Brawner, US envoy, USAF chief to visit EDCA sites in Cagayan, Pampanga appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro sounds off on AFP modernization shift
Even before the country can complete its so-called Horizons Modernization Program to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. yesterday said there is a pressing need to “re-vision and re-horizon” the country’s security posture. “This is a task I have given the [AFP] general headquarters — aligned with past pronouncements that we have to re-vision and re-horizon our strategic thoughts — from strategic principles, defense planning, to our modernization,” Teodoro said. The defense chief issued the statement during the christening and commissioning of the BRP Valentin Diaz (PS177) and the BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS178) at Philippine Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard in Manila. He said the “re-horizon” would be to make the country’s armed forces “more responsive to the challenges of the times, adding that there’s a need to “preserve a rules-based international order.” The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa were acquired through US foreign military financing and its Excess Defense Article Program. The vessels were valued at $13.8 million dollars or P780 million. “This is a welcome and timely addition to the Philippine fleet because the sooner we can complete, of course in coordination with our partners in the Philippine Coast Guard, our littoral defenses, the sooner we can pursue our vast position in defending our sovereign rights,” Teodoro said. The Philippines must be able to present credible deterrence through a more modern AFP, Teodoro said. Collaboration US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the commissioning of the two latest Philippine Navy ships is an “illustration of Washington’s continued collaboration” with the Philippines in pursuit of the modernization goals of the AFP. “This ceremony symbolizes continued US support for our Philippine Navy allies, who are on the frontlines defending Philippine sovereign rights in the South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea,” she added. “The Philippines is the largest recipient of US military assistance in the Indo-Pacific, merited by the ambitious agenda we have set together for our alliance,” Carlson said. The BRP Valentin Diaz, formerly the USS Chinook, is the ninth Cyclone-class patrol ship of the US Navy. The BRP Ladislao Diwa, formerly the USS Monsoon, is the US Navy’s fourth Cyclone-class patrol ship. The two patrol vessels were transferred upon decommissioning in Bahrain on 18 March and were delivered to the Philippines last May. Carlson said: “Their dedicated service and the missions they undertake are central to the shared US-Philippine goal of ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Carlson said. “The Valentin Diaz and Ladislao Diwa are entering into service for the Philippine Navy at an important time when the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly complex,” she added. Long-term plan “From patrolling Philippine waters to protecting legitimate economic activities and combating illegal fishing, to delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the missions undertaken by these two vessels will not be easy,” she said. The AFP’s Horizons Modernization Program is a long-term plan divided into three phases, or Horizons, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the AFP’s modernization. Horizon 1 (2013-2022) prioritized the acquisition of new equipment and weapons systems, as well as the enhancement of AFP trainings and doctrine. Horizon 1 acquisitions included FA-50PH light fighter jets, S-211 combat utility helicopters, and the BRP Jose Rizal frigate. Horizon 2 (2023-2028) focuses on the strategic capabilities of the AFP, such as its ability to project power and conduct joint operations. Horizon 2’s key projects include the acquisition of submarines, the construction of new naval bases, and the development of a missile defense system. Horizon 3 (2029-2034) is concerned with the overall readiness and sustainability of the AFP. Some of the key projects under Horizon 3 include the improvement of the AFP’s logistics and maintenance capabilities and the development of a comprehensive human resources plan. The total cost of the Horizons modernization program is estimated to be around P1 trillion. The government has allocated P75 billion for Horizon 1, P150 billion for Horizon 2, and P175 billion for Horizon 3. The post Teodoro sounds off on AFP modernization shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI
Led by Transportation Undersecretary Cesar B. Chavez, the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc. took their oath before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on Monday. Chavez, a consistent appointee to various government agencies by seven successive presidents, was elected president of the NDCPAAI for 2023-2025. He is currently Undersecretary for Railways under the Department of Transportation. “Grateful to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for administering our oath in Malacañang this morning as the newly elected officers of the National Defense College of the Philippines Alumni Association Inc.,” Chavez said. “Our association will strive to be more meaningful and relevant for its members and the country. We will actively foster a platform that encourages greater collaboration between the NDCP, its alumni, and stakeholders, contributing to the national discourse and policy development on all aspects of national security,” he added. Chavez pursued a military and national security education, completing courses such as basic and advance intelligence, psychological warfare, and command and general staff management. He earned a Master’s degree in National Security Administration at NDCP, a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Administration from Bicol University, and a Senior Executive certificate on national and international security from Harvard Kennedy School. He also finished the Strategic Management Program at the National University of Singapore. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus “Gary” Domingo was elected vice president. Domingo has served as ambassador to New Zealand and held positions in the Philippine Missions to the UN, in New York and Geneva, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. NDCP executive vice president Aldrin Cuña was elected secretary general of the association. Captain Luidegar “Lloyd” Casis will head the committee on military affairs. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy. Casis is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992. He is currently chief of the capabilities and weapons systems division of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, OJ5, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Aboitiz InfraCapital first vice president Christopher Camba will chair the Committee on Ways and Means. With over 20 years of corporate experience within the Aboitiz Group, he has had diverse roles spanning audit, finance, operations, marketing, risk management, and government relations. Commission on Appointments director and NDCP professor Vladimir Mata was elected head of the Homecoming Committee. He is a lieutenant colonel and currently acting commander of the Marine Reserve Brigade in Northern Luzon. Zamboanga del Sur First District Rep. Divina Grace Yu will serve as chairperson of the Committee on Chairmanship. She has been serving as Deputy House Speaker since 2020. Morong, Rizal RTC Branch 79 Judge Maria Josefina San Juan-Torres was chosen to chair the Committee on Awards. She is vice president of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges (Asia Pacific Chapter). Valenzuela City Administrator Atty. Jaime De Veyra will join Judge San Juan-Torres in the Awards Committee. He has held roles in the Public Estates Authority and the Philippine Mining Development Corporation as chief legal counsel and CEO. CGA Capt. Jeremias “Jerry” Simon will chair the Committee on Membership. The post Chavez vows greater role for NDCPAAI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Defense chief graces commissioning rite of US-donated navy vessels
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Monday, 11 September, graced the christening and commissioning ceremony of the BRP Valentine Diaz (PS177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS178), donated by the United States government under its Excess Defense Article program, at the Philippine Navy headquarters. Teodoro underscored the need for the defense sector to revise and rehorizon the country’s strategic defense approaches to become responsive to the “challenges of the times.” US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the commissioning illustrates Washington’s continued collaboration in pursuit of the modernization goals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “The Philippines is the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance in the Indo-Pacific, merited by the ambitious agenda we have set together for our alliance,” she said. The post Defense chief graces commissioning rite of US-donated navy vessels appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CBCP defends NTF-ELCAC membership
An official from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines recently appealed to the public to be more “prudent” on issuing statements against the group’s decision to join the Executive Committee of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Rev. Cather Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, said that any collaboration with the government is done with the sole intention “to help the people.” “We meant well in this engagement. We’re allowing ourselves to be a member of the NTF-ELCAC in good faith and in becoming members of the NTF-ELCAC, we’re provided with a platform for the betterment of the people in the country,” Secillano said. The post CBCP defends NTF-ELCAC membership appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Joint drills with US, Australia not meant to provoke a particular country — Brawner
The Philippines’ execution of joint military exercises with its counterparts, including the United States and Australia, is not meant to provoke a particular country, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stressed on Monday. Brawner cited the recent conduct of the biggest United States-Philippines Balikatan Exercises, which has been observed annually under both countries’ mutual defense treaty. "'Yung ginagawa nating coalition, 'yung ginagawa nating mga joint exercises ( The coalition and the joint exercises that we are doing) are not addressed toward one specific country," Brawner told reporters in a chance interview shortly after the National Heroes Day event at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Earlier this month, the Philippines and Australia, assisted by the US, began their first-ever bilateral amphibious warfare exercise in San Antonio, Zambales. It is part of the Philippines-Australia’s “Exercise ALON”, with 700 AFP personnel joining along with 1, 200 members of the Australian Defense Force and 150 officers of United States Marine Corps. Exercise ALON, which runs until 31 August, is part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour activity between the Philippines and Australia for 2023, which targets close collaboration between the AFP and ADF to increase interoperability and deepen people-to-people links to enhance defense cooperation. The Indo-Pacific Endeavor is Australia's flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean region. Brawner insisted that these exercises with other countries would not necessarily provoke China’s aggression. "No, we don't believe that they will be more aggressive because of that. In fact, we have been doing this for a longer time already," Brawner said. "'Yung Balikatan Exercises na ginagawa natin every year, nandiyan po 'yung mga sundalo ng US, nandiyan po 'yung mga sundalo ng Australia, may mga observers tayo from Japan, we also have observers from other nations (We conduct Balikatan every year, US troops are there, Australian soldiers are there and we have observers from Japan),” he added. The post Joint drills with US, Australia not meant to provoke a particular country — Brawner appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP-PLA patrol dead on water
The proposed joint maritime patrol between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the People’s Liberation Army in the South China Sea may no longer proceed. AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., on Sunday, said the government may have gotten cold on the idea amid China’s continuing hostility toward the country in the West Philippine Sea. Brawner, in a radio interview, said Beijing’s actions in the WPS have raised questions over its claimed intention to uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific region. “With the way they are currently doing things, [the possibility of a joint patrol] seems quite unclear,” Brawner said, clearly referring to incidents of harassment by the China Coast Guard in the WPS. However, military collaboration between the two nations’ militaries will continue under a 2004 defense cooperation memorandum of understanding, the AFP chief stressed. The MoU had provisions allowing the AFP to send its officers to China for additional training, something that does not seem to interest the Philippine government at the moment. On the other hand, Brawner said the Philippines will continue to hold military drills with “partner” countries like the US, Japan and Canada. “We need to inform the whole world about what is happening here in the South China Sea. Because of these recent events, we have been successful in revealing China’s coercive and dangerous tactics,” he said. Previously, Brawner disclosed that China’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, had offered to have joint patrols with the Philippines in the SCS, which overlaps with the WPS. China is claiming nearly all of the South China Sea under its nine-dash line theory, including the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone in the WPS. A decision made by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 junked China’s claim in the WPS, saying it has no historical basis while affirming the Philippines’ WPS claims. On 5 August, the Chinese Coast Guard bombarded a Philippine Coast Guard fleet with water as the latter was delivering supplies to Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The latest in a string of harassment incidents against Philippine ships this year, China’s action drew denunciation from several nations, including the US, Australia, Japan and Canada. The post AFP-PLA patrol dead on water appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»