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...
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...
