The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, May 26, signaled a broader push to strengthen the country’s coastal defense capability as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for a four-day state visit to Japan that is expected to deepen Manila and Tokyo’s security ties. AFP spokesperson...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said strong public backing for the country’s position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has strengthened its resolve to resist “coercive and illegal actions” by China in the country’s waters. AFP spokesperson for the WPS, retired admiral Roy Vincent...
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Saturday, May 23, welcomed the Class of 2030, the first batch of cadets who may formally enter the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) upon graduation under a new government-backed officer allocation program meant to tighten coordination between the country’s...
A Chinese military helicopter closely approached a Dutch naval frigate navigating the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the ship’s commander revealed on Friday, May 22, upon arriving in Manila for a historic three-day goodwill visit. Commander Rodger de Wit, commanding officer of the Royal Netherlands...
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday, May 20, dismissed the latest complaints from China regarding ongoing infrastructure projects on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island and Lawak (Nanshan) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as it maintained that all activities within these features are...
The National Maritime Council (NMC) flagged the presence of Chinese maritime surveillance research vessels in three areas off Luzon, particularly those allegedly conducting scientific research near Pag-asa Cay. "Kinokondena ng National Maritime Council ang presensya ng mga MSR vessels na ito...
The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday, May 19, highlighted longer endurance at sea and growing fleet strength as it steps up its presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), noting that modern platforms now allow sustained patrols and wider maritime coverage compared to previous years. PN-Philippine...
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it drove away a Chinese research vessel that had been allegedly conducting “unauthorized” marine scientific research (MSR) near cays within the territorial sea of Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a statement on Sunday night, May...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday, May 10, welcomed moves by Japan to loosen restrictions on defense exports as Manila pushes ahead with military modernization amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Philippine Navy (PN) reservist and retired rear admiral Roy...
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed its ships and aircraft to drive away four Chinese research vessels detected operating in Philippine waters without authorization on Sunday, May 3, as a separate civilian mission to Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) drew praise from the...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, May 1, backed a civilian-led mission to Pag-asa Island as organizers set sail to deliver aid and assert the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) but was shadowed by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship. AFP spokesperson for WPS Roy...
Philippine and allied forces staged a large-scale coastal defense drill on Monday, April 27, simulating an enemy amphibious landing in a town facing the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the United States Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force, and...