Philippines News

The Philippines has suspended a scientific survey in the South China Sea, citing aggressive behavior and harassment from the Chinese coast guard. The incident occurred as two Philippine fisheries vessels were en route to Sandy Cay for sand sampling when they encountered three Chinese coast guard ships engaging in "aggressive maneuvers." The Chinese coast guard has asserted its "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly Islands, claiming the Philippine vessels illegally entered waters near Tiexian Reef, an area under Chinese administration. Following the aggressive interaction, which included a Chinese navy helicopter hovering at an unsafe altitude, the Philippine Coast Guard decided to halt the survey operations, emphasizing concerns for safety amid ongoing confrontations in the disputed waters. This latest incident highlights the tensions in the South China Sea, where multiple countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, have overlapping sovereignty claims. A 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidated China's extensive claims in the region, a decision that China has refused to recognize. The Philippines and China previously agreed to explore cooperative measures despite their territorial disputes, indicating a complex and evolving diplomatic relationship.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese coast guard ships and a navy helicopter harassed its fisheries vessels engaged in a scientific survey in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred in a contested region, prompted the Philippine vessels to cancel their operations. This escalation in tensions highlights ongoing territorial disputes between the Philippines and China in the strategically significant waters. The Philippine government has consistently protested such actions, urging respect for international maritime law and sovereignty.

The United States military has successfully moved its Typhon missile launchers from Laoag airfield to a new undisclosed location on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, as confirmed by a senior Philippine government official. The Typhon system, which includes Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking targets in China and Russia, has been redeployed to enhance its mobility and survivability during potential conflicts. Satellite imagery has shown the equipment being transported on C-17 transport aircraft, with rain canopies covering the launchers removed prior to departure. This relocation is a part of U.S. efforts to bolster its military presence in Asia amid rising tensions. The Indo-Pacific Command has stated that the relocation was conducted in close coordination with Philippine authorities, although it did not disclose the exact new location. U.S. military spokespeople have emphasized that this move is not indicative of a permanent presence in the region. China has voiced strong opposition to the deployment of the Typhon systems, accusing the Philippines of escalating regional tensions. China's foreign ministry has urged the Philippines to correct what it terms as provocative actions that could lead to confrontation. As the U.S. continues to expand its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, it plans to acquire more than 800 SM-6 missiles over the next five years as part of its strategic response to China’s growing military arsenal.

The U.S. military has redeployed its Typhon missile launchers from Laoag International Airport to an undisclosed location on Luzon Island in the Philippines, according to a senior official within the Philippine government. The Typhon system includes Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking targets as far as thousands of kilometers away, with potential to reach both China and Russia. Additionally, it carries SM-6 missiles that can target air or sea threats over 200 kilometers away. The relocation is intended to enhance the mobility of the missile battery, potentially increasing its survivability in conflict scenarios. Recent satellite imagery confirmed the loading of Typhon equipment onto C-17 transport aircraft, as well as the removal of the rain protection canopies covering the systems. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) acknowledged the relocation but did not disclose the new positioning of the batteries. The deployment of the Typhon system, part of a broader strategy to bolster U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, has faced criticism from China, which has accused the Philippines of escalating regional tensions. The U.S. is expected to procure over 800 SM-6 missiles in the next five years, contributing to the ongoing arms race in the Indo-Pacific. The Chinese government has condemned the move and urged the Philippines to reconsider its approach.

The U.S. military has repositioned its Typhon missile launchers from Laoag airfield to another undisclosed location on the Philippine island of Luzon. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to enhance missile mobility in response to regional security concerns, specifically threats from China and Russia. According to a senior Philippine government official, the relocation is intended to improve the system's survivability in conflict situations by enhancing its rapid response capabilities. The Typhon system is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting targets thousands of kilometers away, and SM-6 missiles, designed for engaging both air and maritime threats. Satellite imagery has confirmed the recent movement of Typhon batteries, with loading operations observed at Laoag International Airport. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) has stated that the missiles have been relocated within the Philippines but has not disclosed the new location. This transition comes in the wake of heightened criticisms from China regarding the missile system's earlier deployment in 2024, which was labeled as a factor escalating regional tensions. The Typhon weaponry plays a crucial role in U.S. efforts to bolster its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, where it aims to keep pace with China's growing military influence. Chinese officials have explicitly condemned the missile redeployment, urging the Philippines to reconsider its alliances and actions that they believe contribute to worsening regional relations.

LANGKAWI, Malaysia – Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo emphasized the urgent need for ASEAN and China to tackle critical issues regarding the South China Sea code of conduct during a recent meeting. The region remains a flashpoint for tension, particularly between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In an interview ahead of the ASEAN meeting on January 19, Manalo pointed out that discussions have been ongoing since the 2002 pledge to create a code of conduct, a process that took 15 years to initiate. However, progress has been slow, and he urged participants to focus on essential aspects that have yet to be thoroughly discussed. Key topics include defining the code’s scope, determining if it will be legally binding, and understanding its implications for third-party nations. Manalo expressed hope that addressing these "milestone issues" could significantly advance negotiations. The South China Sea is rich in resources and is a major trade route, making it a significant area of interest. Ongoing confrontations and China’s aggressive assertions of territorial claims have raised concerns about potential conflict in the region. Additionally, Manalo remarked on the continued interest of the United States in Southeast Asia, suggesting that there have been no indications of a shift in U.S. policy under the incoming administration.

On January 17, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a Chinese Coast Guard vessel operating unlawfully close to its territorial waters. Spokesperson Jay Tarriela confirmed that the PCG had monitored the Chinese vessel for two weeks before issuing a radio warning. The Chinese vessel, identified as number 5901, came within 60 to 70 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, which is part of Philippine territory. The PCG emphasized the need for compliance with maritime laws and the importance of safeguarding national waters against unauthorized foreign activities.

Philippine security officials have expressed serious concerns over China's increasing aggression in the South China Sea, stating that the country is "pushing us to the wall." This statement came after a large Chinese coast guard vessel was spotted patrolling the Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested area claimed by both nations. The ship was reported to have approached as close as 77 nautical miles from the Philippine coastline. At a news conference held on Tuesday, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the National Security Council, described the presence of the Chinese vessel as "unacceptable" and demanded its immediate withdrawal. "We do not waver or cower in the face of intimidation," Malaya asserted, emphasizing that the Philippine government was prepared to consider "all options" in response, including potentially filing new international lawsuits. In response to the Chinese vessel's presence, two Philippine coast guard ships have been actively challenging the vessel's legality in the area, striving to maintain Filipino sovereignty over the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard stated that their operations serve to inform the international community of "China's illegal presence." This escalation in tensions is a continuation of a longstanding dispute over territorial claims in the region. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Philippines has taken a firmer stance in asserting its rights, often leading to confrontations with Chinese maritime forces. The ongoing tensions have prompted the Philippines to explore security collaborations with allies, including a recent agreement with Japan for joint military exercises. China has historically dismissed international arbitration results, notably the 2016 ruling that supported the Philippines’ claims, and continues to maintain that the area is part of its sovereign territory.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on January 6, 2025, that a large Chinese coast guard vessel, referred to as a "monster ship," has anchored within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. The 165-meter vessel entered Manila's 200-nautical mile EEZ on January 2, 2025, raising alarm among local authorities regarding China's escalating presence in the strategically significant waters. PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela expressed concerns that the vessel's presence is intended to intimidate the Philippines and other neighboring countries. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, as the Philippines has been increasingly vocal about asserting its sovereignty over the contested maritime territories. This development marks another chapter in the complex maritime disputes in the South China Sea, where several nations, including China and the Philippines, have competing claims. The situation requires careful monitoring as it could impact regional stability and security.

Maria Ressa, the Philippine Nobel laureate and co-founder of the Rappler news site, has raised alarm over the recent decision by Meta to terminate its fact-checking program in the United States. In an interview, Ressa described the situation as indicative of "extremely dangerous times ahead" for journalism, democracy, and social media users, warning that it could lead to a "world without facts." Ressa has dedicated years to combating online disinformation while facing legal challenges from the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly over critical reporting on his controversial drug war. She criticized Meta's founder Mark Zuckerberg, asserting that his claims regarding free speech are misguided and profit-driven, rather than focused on user safety. Analysts view Meta's decision as an effort to appease incoming US President Donald Trump, who has long criticized the platform for alleged biases against him. Ressa rebutted Trump's assertions about political bias in fact-checking, affirming that responsible journalism is founded on established ethics and standards. Rappler have announced intentions to continue their work against disinformation, citing Meta's move as just the beginning of a more significant issue. Ressa emphasized the necessity of protecting information integrity, stating, "You cannot have democracy if you don't have journalism," and pledged to advocate for the survival of truthful reporting in this pivotal year.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially removed Vice-President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council following serious allegations regarding a plot to assassinate him. The executive order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, also removes all former presidents from the council. The decision comes just a month after Duterte allegedly declared her wish for Marcos and his family to be killed if she herself were to die, comments she later attempted to clarify as misinterpretations. The Executive Secretary stated that the council's restructuring was intended to "reorganise and streamline" its membership, emphasizing that the Vice-President is currently not deemed relevant to its responsibilities. This development is part of an escalating political rift between Duterte, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Marcos, who assumed office in 2022 alongside her under a coalition that has since deteriorated dramatically. Both parties are now engaged in a war of words, with accusations of drug use and political misconduct being exchanged. Duterte is also facing multiple impeachment complaints regarding her management of government funds. As tensions rise, Duterte has yet to comment publicly on her removal or the ongoing investigations into her alleged threats against the president.

In a significant political move, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has removed Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC) following allegations that she plotted to assassinate him. This decision, announced through an executive order released on Friday, also affects all former presidents who were part of the council. The executive order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stated that the restructuring aimed to “reorganise and streamline” the NSC’s membership, which primarily includes key legislative, defence, foreign, and cabinet officials. Bersamin noted that Duterte is currently deemed “not relevant” to the responsibilities of the council’s membership. The controversy surrounding Duterte intensified after she allegedly threatened Marcos and his family during a heated online news conference in late November. Following those remarks, she claimed that her comments had been misinterpreted. This drastic political shift comes as Duterte faces multiple impeachment complaints linked to alleged misuse of government funds and a deteriorating alliance with President Marcos, which has been characterized by public accusations and heightened tensions before the upcoming midterm elections. Duterte has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding her removal from the council or the ongoing investigations.

A submarine drone believed to be of Chinese origin was discovered by fishermen in waters near San Pascual in Masbate province, Philippines. The yellow drone, measuring approximately six feet and marked "HY-119," was recovered on Monday and reported to police, who highlighted "potential national security implications" following the recovery. The police stated that the drone appeared to be a navigation and communication system designed for monitoring and reconnaissance, although it was not armed. It has since been handed over to the Philippine Navy for further examination. This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over maritime rights in the South China Sea. Recent confrontations have raised concerns about increasing military aggressions in the region. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the incident. The discovery of the drone underscores the complex dynamics in the area, where the Philippines has faced multiple challenges related to Chinese maritime claims.