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...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has installed a new commander of the Western Command, a Palawan-based unit responsible for operations in the country’s western maritime territories, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS). AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. presided over the change of...
Atin Ito Coalition will stage its fourth civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea from April 30 to May 5, 2026, highlighted by a jetski flag ride and a solidarity concert on Pag-asa Island under its “Balik-Pag-asa” initiative. In a press conference on Monday, April 27, Atin Ito said the...
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad has formally retired from the Philippine Navy (PN) but the military said Saturday, April 25, that he will continue to be its spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) concerns as a naval reservist. PN Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta...
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. fired back at Beijing on Tuesday, April 21, as China criticized the ongoing Exercise Balikatan between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, United States, and other allied forces, saying the drills are part of a “collective...
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, April 15, condemned as “irresponsible and unacceptable” the reported use of cyanide in Ayungin Shoal, warning of serious environmental damage and signaling a possible diplomatic response as it awaits the results of a scientific...
National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo M. Año on Wednesday, April 15, officially announced his permanent retirement from government service, stirring questions inside the security sector as tensions persist in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a statement sent to reporters, Año cited health...
More than 17,000 troops from the Philippines and six other countries are set to take part in the 41st iteration of the annual Exercise Balikatan, scheduled from April 20 to May 8. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, April 14, confirmed the participation of its counterparts from...
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) monitored a total of 28 Chinese vessels across key features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the second week of this month. Data released by the military on Tuesday, April 14, showed the presence of Chinese People 's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N)...
Oil and gas deals in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) must meet strict constitutional conditions, 1Sambayan said, as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) underscored that Philippine sovereignty will be upheld in any potential energy cooperation with China. In a statement issued on April 12, the...
