Norobiik @[email protected]Aug 6, 2023

"Deliberately grounded on a tiny reef in the #SouthChinaSea, part of an island chain claimed by the two Asian countries, the #BRPSierraMadre is now the unlikely base for a detachment of Filipino marines who stand guard over the atoll, scanning the turquoise waters for Chinese ships." #AyunginShoal #SecondThomasShoal #Philippines

Wreck, Rats and Roaches : Standoff in the #SouthChinaSea (2014 article)
https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/2014/07/world/south-china-sea-dispute/

Wrecks, rats and roaches: Standoff in the South China Sea

Tomas Etzler is a journalist and filmmaker who has covered everything from the war in Afghanistan to the 2011 Japanese tsunami. His most recent assignment took him to one of the most remote destinations in the South China Sea to witness firsthand a unique international dispute.

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 6, 2023

"#MANILA, #Philippines — Senators condemned on Sunday the Chinese Coast Guard’s (#CCG) harassment against the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) and military supply ship bound for #AyunginShoal.

In separate statements, senators aired their frustration on CCG’s use of water cannon against PCG vessels delivering supplies to military troops stationed on #BRPSierraMadre in Ayungin Shoal." #SouthChinaSea

Senators condemn China’s water cannon attack in #WPS: ‘Bullying must stop’
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/217339/senators-condemn-chinas-water-cannon-attack-in-wps-bullying-must-stop?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=gallery

Senators condemn China’s water cannon attack in WPS: ‘Bullying must stop’

MANILA, Philippines — Senators condemned on Sunday the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) harassment against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and military supply ship bound for Ayungin Shoal. In

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 7, 2023

"Video from the #Philippines showed a large Chinese Coast Guard ship spraying a much smaller Philippine boat that was attempting to deliver supplies to a garrison of Philippine marines on #SecondThomasShoal...Images from the #PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG) also showed the Chinese ship moving dangerously close in front of the PCG vessels as they escorted the resupply boats" #SouthChinaSea

International backlash grows after Chinese vessel fires water cannon on Philippine boats https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/07/asia/china-philippines-coast-guard-confrontation-south-china-sea-intl-hnk/index.html

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 8, 2023

The day prior, #China called on the #Philippines to remove the #BRPSierraMadre. In response, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told reporters in Manila: “We will not abandon #AyunginShoal. We are committed to the Ayungin Shoal.” #SouthChinaSea #SecondThomasShoal

Philippines doubles down on Ayungin after China claims ‘illegal’ activities
https://www.rappler.com/nation/dfa-doubles-down-ayungin-shoal-after-china-claim-illegal-activities-august-2023/

Philippines doubles down on Ayungin after China claims ‘illegal’ activities

The Department of Foreign Affairs says resupply missions and repairs of the grounded wartime ship in Ayungin Shoal ‘are part of regular operations in line with domestic and international law’

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 8, 2023

"Global concern about #China’s naval activities is growing as the country expands and modernises its military, and shows increasing aggression in its claims over the #SouthChinaSea and #Taiwan.

Joint drills with #Russia – during which a flotilla sailed near #Alaska this weekend – have also heightened concern over military coordination between #Beijing and #Moscow." #SouthChinaSea

China-Philippines dispute could escalate into superpower conflict, say analysts
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/08/china-philippines-dispute-could-escalate-into-superpower-conflict-say-analysts

China-Philippines dispute could escalate into superpower conflict, say analysts

Expert warns of ‘significant escalatory potential’ after Chinese coastguards used water cannon on Philippine boat

The Guardian
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 9, 2023

"Tensions between #China and the #Philippines are on the rise once again, with #Manila accusing the Chinese Coast Guard of using water cannon to block a Philippine military supply boat from delivering food, fuel and water to troops garrisoned on a decommissioned warship grounded on a reef in the #SouthChinaSea."

What’s behind rising China-Philippines tensions in the South China Sea?
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/9/whats-behind-rising-china-philippines-tensions-in-the-south-china-sea

What’s behind rising China-Philippines tensions in the South China Sea?

Here’s what you need to know as maritime confrontations between China and the Philippines increase.

Al Jazeera
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 9, 2023
"#MANILA, #Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. refuted #China on Wednesday, August 9, and denied any agreement to remove the Philippine ship #BRPSierraMadre from #AyunginShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea" #SouthChinaSea #SecondThomasShoal
https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-refutes-china-denies-agreement-remove-ship-ayungin-shoal/
Marcos refutes China, denies ‘agreement’ to remove Ayungin ship

'If there does exist such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now,' says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 10, 2023

"If #China succeeds in enforcing its nine-dash line claim using its new coast guard law, and if #Russia succeeds in keeping Ukrainian territory that it has invaded, then both China and Russia would be overturning and negating the foundational principle of the #UNCharter." #SouthChinaSea #PagasaIsland #AyunginShoal

[ANALYSIS] Flashpoints in the #Philippines-China relationship
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/analysis-flashpoints-philippines-china-relationship/

[ANALYSIS] Flashpoints in the Philippines-China relationship

'China’s new coast guard law constitutes a threat of force against other claimant states in the South China Sea in clear violation of the UN Charter'

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 11, 2023

"#PUERTOPRINCESA, #Philippines – The Philippines is looking at several options to strengthen its hold on the disputed #SecondThomasShoal (#AyunginShoal) in the #SouthChinaSea including refurbishing a grounded and rusting warship it uses as a military outpost, a move that would likely anger #Beijing." #BRPSierraMadre #China

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-refurbishing-grounded-ship-option-strengthen-hold-ayungin-shoal/

Philippines says refurbishing grounded ship an option to strengthen hold on Ayungin Shoal

The Philippines intentionally grounded the World War Two-era warship Sierra Madre in 1999 as part of its sovereignty claim to the Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), which lies within its exclusive economic zone

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 12, 2023

“Yung resupply mission na yan, ‘pag dinaan mo ‘yan sa #helicopters, hindi na yan mapipigil,” Trillanes, who worked as a backdoor negotiator for President #BenignoAquino in #China, said over radio DWPM. #AyunginShoal #WPS #Philippines

Trillanes urges #AFP to use helicopters anew to supply #BRPSierraMadre
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/217704/use-helicopters-anew-to-supply-brp-sierra-madre-afp-urged

Trillanes urges AFP to use helicopters anew to supply BRP Sierra Madre

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines should resume using helicopters to bring supplies to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said on

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 14, 2023

'I don't know where he got his information,' Senator #JinggoyEstrada says of Roberto Tiglao's claim that it was former president Estrada who made the promise to #China to remove #BRPSierraMadre from #Ayungin. #AyunginShoal #SecondThomasShoal #WPS #SouthChinaSea

Jinggoy, JV refute Tiglao’s claim that #Erap made promise to China
https://www.rappler.com/nation/jinggoy-jv-refute-tiglao-claim-erap-made-promise-china-ayungin-shoal/

Jinggoy, JV refute Tiglao's claim that Erap made promise to China

'I don't know where he got his information,' Senator Jinggoy Estrada says of Roberto Tiglao's claim that it was former president Estrada who made the promise to China to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 15, 2023

"The #NationalSecurityCouncil says internal threats pinpointed by the #Duterte administration – the #CommunistInsurgency, local #TerrorGroups, and #IllegalDrugs – are no longer priorities" #SouthChinaSea #China #Philippines

Marcos security policy focuses on threats in #WestPHSea, #Taiwan Strait
https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-jr-security-plan-focuses-external-threats-west-philippine-sea-taiwan/

Marcos security policy focuses on threats in West PH Sea, Taiwan Strait

The National Security Council says internal threats pinpointed by the Duterte administration – the communist insurgency, local terror groups, and illegal drugs – are no longer priorities

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 16, 2023

"The structures, according to the senator, could serve as permanent lodging for soldiers stationed at the rusty #BRPSierraMadre, a warship intentionally grounded in the shoal in 1999 as a Philippine military outpost and now at the center of fresh tensions between #Manila and #Beijing." #Ayungin #AyunginShoal #Philippines #WestPHSea

P100-M funding sought for PH Ayungin buildup
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/217872/p100-m-funding-sought-for-ph-ayungin-buildup?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

P100-M funding sought for PH Ayungin buildup

Sen. Francis Escudero’s proposal on Tuesday to set aside P100 million in the 2024 national budget for the construction of permanent structures in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 16, 2023

"#Locsin, who filed numerous diplomatic protests and sometimes tweeted expletives against #China, led the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at a time when the Philippine leader, #Duterte, sought closer ties with Beijing. He was Duterte’s third and longest-serving foreign secretary, steering the DFA from October 17, 2018, until Duterte’s term ended on June 30, 2022." #Philippines #ForeignAffairs

Marcos names Locsin, Duterte’s top diplomat, as special envoy to China
https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-names-teddyboy-locsin-special-envoy-china/

Marcos names Locsin, Duterte's top diplomat, as special envoy to China

Teodoro Locsin Jr., son of a journalist detained during the Marcos dictatorship, will concurrently serve as ambassador to the UK under the second Marcos president

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 17, 2023

"#TritonIsland, which #China has controlled since 1974, is the westernmost and southernmost point of the #Paracels, almost the same distance from the Vietnamese coast and China’s island province of #Hainan.

Powell said the construction there 'will clearly make #Vietnam agitated.' #TootSEA

China appears to be building an airstrip on a disputed island in the #SouthChinaSea
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-appears-building-airstrip-disputed-island-south-china-sea-rcna100348

China appears to be building an airstrip on a disputed island in the South China Sea

China appears to be constructing an airstrip on a disputed island that is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan, adding to tensions in the South China Sea.

NBC News
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 18, 2023

"The planned exercise set for Wednesday comes amid mounting tensions between #China and the #Philippines after a Chinese coast guard vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine military-chartered boat near the #Manila-controlled #SecondThomasShoal in the #SouthChinaSea earlier this month." #AyunginShoal

#Japan, #US, #Australia eye ship deployment to Philippines for drill
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230818/p2g/00m/0in/063000c

Japan, US, Australia eye ship deployment to Philippines for drill - The Mainichi

(Kyodo) -- Japan, the United States and Australia are considering sending their vessels carrying aircraft to the Philippines to conduct a trilateral n

The Mainichi
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 22, 2023

"The #AirAssault drills, which also involved a small contingent of American troops, were carried out as the #Philippines was making a new attempt to deliver supplies in #AyunginShoal, two weeks after one of its supply boats was prevented from doing so by #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) ships using water cannons." #WestPHSea #SecondThomasShoal #SouthChinaSea #Australia #US

PH-Aussie forces regain territory from ‘invaders’ in #Palawan mock drills
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/218141/ph-aussie-forces-regain-territory-from-invaders-in-palawan-mock-drills

PH-Aussie forces regain territory from ‘invaders’ in Palawan mock drills

RIZAL, Palawan, Philippines —Filipino and Australian troops trained for the first time together on Monday in the defense and recapture of territory from mock invaders in this coastal town facing

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 22, 2023

“Notwithstanding attempts by #ChinaCoastGuard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships … successfully completed their supply mission,” the task force added. #AyunginShoal #BRPSierraMadre #Philippines

The task force said Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2 were escorted by #PCG vessels #BRPCabra and #BRPSindagan during the mission, while Philippine Navy ships were also on standby.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/218171/ph-coast-guards-resupply-mission-to-brp-sierra-madre-crew-successful

Despite China’s attempt to ‘interfere,’ PCG says resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre successful

MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — Despite Chinese vessels attempting to "harass" its crew, the Philippine Coast Guard said they successfully conducted the rotation and resupply mission

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 23, 2023

"On August 22, two #PCG ships escorted boats commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (#AFP) to bring supplies to #Philippine Marines stationed at the #BRPSierraMadre, a grounded ship that serves as the Philippine outpost in those waters. It was the #Philippines’ second resupply mission in August, after a routine mission on August 5 was partially stopped by #China." #AyunginShoal

PCG says nothing ‘humanitarian’ about China’s moves vs #Ayungin resupply mission
https://www.rappler.com/nation/coast-guard-nothing-humanitarian-china-moves-resupply-mission-ayungin-west-philippine-sea/

Philippines says nothing 'humanitarian' about China's moves vs Ayungin resupply mission

The Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese ships tried 'various ways for the vessels to be separated from the PCG'

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 24, 2023

“Masyadong maliit ang P10 million kumpara halimbawa sa #DepEd na may proposed intelligence funds na P150 million. The #PCG is threatened by #China almost on a daily basis, 24/7, while the DepEd is not even facing any security threat,” #Hontiveros said. #Philippines #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

Hontiveros wants bigger intelligence funds for Coast Guard in 2024 budget
https://www.rappler.com/nation/hontiveros-wants-bigger-intelligence-funds-philippine-coast-guard-2024-budget/

Hontiveros wants bigger intelligence funds for Coast Guard in 2024 budget

'Masyadong maliit ang P10 million kumpara halimbawa sa DepEd na may proposed intelligence funds na P150 million,' says Senator Risa Hontiveros

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Aug 26, 2023

The air, sea and land drills, the first large-scale joint exercise between #Australia and the #Philippines, simulated retaking an enemy-controlled island.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marlies said after the drills that the first joint patrols of the #SouthChinaSea by the Australian and Philippine navies would “happen soon”.

Australia, Philippines hold military drills, plan South China Sea patrols
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/26/australia-philippines-hold-military-drills-plan-south-china-sea-patrols

Australia, Philippines hold military drills, plan South China Sea patrols

Approximately 1,200 Australian soldiers and 560 Filipino marines took part in military exercises to storm a beach.

Al Jazeera
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 1, 2023

"#India, meanwhile, was among the countries that rejected and protested #China’s 2023 national map, in which China claimed Indian land, as well as territory being disputed by the two countries.

Interactions between China and India in disputed borders have been more violent, especially between 2020 and 2021, following clashes along the Sino-Indian border that resulted in casualties."

Indian envoy to #Philippines warns against ‘aggressive maneuvers’ in Indo-Pacific
https://www.rappler.com/nation/indian-ambassador-philippines-warns-aggressive-maneuvers-indo-pacific/

Indian envoy to Philippines warns against 'aggressive maneuvers' in Indo-Pacific

Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran says the behavior of large states is ‘very crucial’ in keeping the region stable

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 4, 2023

Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, the top military commander overseeing #Palawan and the country’s claims in the #WestPhilippineSea, calls the Nido observation post “the other #BRPSierraMadre,” referring to the grounded warship that serves as a military outpost in #Ayungin. #ElNido #Palawan #Philippines #WestPHSea

Troops at Nido outpost see vital role amid isolation
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/218670/troops-at-nido-outpost-see-vital-role-amid-isolation?utm_source=(direct)&utm_medium=gallery

Troops at Nido outpost see vital role amid isolation

EL NIDO, Palawan, Philippines — The passing of each day is slow and tedious for a small group of soldiers deployed to the Nido observation post, a former gas platform that has been turned into a

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 7, 2023

Marcos on Tuesday called out “misleading narratives” that reduce disputes in the #SouthChinaSea to a mere competition between two influential nations as such claims deny #Manila’s independence and agency, and disregards its legitimate interests. #Philippines #China #US

Marcos, Harris hold talks on South China Sea, maritime cooperation
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/07/2294506/marcos-harris-hold-talks-south-china-sea-maritime-cooperation

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 8, 2023

Here we go again 🙄 #China's using smaller coast guard ships this time though. Very bad optics the last time kasi.

"On Friday morning, the #PhilippineCoastGuard escorted supply vessels to #SecondThomasShoal, also known as also known as #AyunginShoal, in the #SpratlyIslands, where a handful of troops are stationed on a crumbling navy ship, the task force said." #BRPSierraMadre

#Philippines condemns Chinese boats' 'illegal' actions in Ayungin Shoal
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/08/2294806/philippines-condemns-chinese-boats-illegal-actions-ayungin-shoal

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 16, 2023

#RozulReef, also known as #IroquoisReef, lies within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf — giving #Manila the exclusive right to explore, exploit and manage living and non-living resources within said area. #Philippines #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea #CoralReefs

'Walang natira': AFP suspects #China behind massive coral harvesting in Rozul Reef
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/16/2296754/walang-natira-afp-suspects-china-behind-massive-coral-harvesting-rozul-reef

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 22, 2023

Defense Senior Undersecretary Ireneo Espino said the #BRPSierraMadre needs immediate repair following recent re-supply operations.

"The deterioration is faster than the supply that we do to #Ayungin. I mean mas mabilis masira,” he said. #Philippines #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

BRP Sierra Madre deteriorating fast, says DND official
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/20/23/brp-sierra-madre-deteriorating-fast-says-dnd-official

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 24, 2023

#PhilippineCoastGuard and fisheries bureau personnel discovered the floating barrier, estimated at 300 metres (1,000 feet) long, on a routine patrol on Friday near the shoal, locally known as #BajoDeMasinloc, Tarriela said. #ScarboroughShoal #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

#China coast guard deploys ‘floating barrier’ to cut off disputed #SouthChinaSea shoal
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/24/china-coast-guard-deploys-floating-barrier-to-cut-off-disputed-south-china-sea-shoal

China coast guard deploys ‘floating barrier’ to cut off disputed South China Sea shoal

Philippines says it ‘strongly condemns’ move at Scarborough Shoal which prevents its fishing boats from gaining access

The Guardian
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 26, 2023

#MANILA, #Philippines – Aboard a small boat and with knives in hand, personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) on Monday, September 25, carried out a “special operation” to remove a floating barrier placed by the #ChineseCoastGuard at the opening of #BajoDeMasinloc or #PanatagShoal in the West Philippine Sea. #WESTPHSEA #SouthChinaSea

WATCH: PH’s ‘special operation’ to remove China’s floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc
https://www.rappler.com/nation/video-philippine-coast-guard-remove-china-barrier-bajo-de-masinloc/

WATCH: PH’s ‘special operation’ to remove China’s floating barrier in Bajo de Masinloc

'The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines' sovereignty over the shoal,' says the Philippine Coast Guard

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Sep 27, 2023

#MANILA, #Philippines – The House and the Senate have agreed to reallocate confidential and #IntelligenceFunds to agencies fighting for #Fishermen’s rights, amid rising tensions in the #WestPhilippineSea.

It is unclear which agencies would lose confidential and intelligence funds because of the decision, but groups have been calling on lawmakers to realign #SecretFunds from #Marcos' and #Duterte's offices. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea #BajoDeMasinloc #ScarboroughShoal

https://www.rappler.com/nation/congress-commits-reallocate-confidential-funds-agencies-protecting-west-philippine-sea/

Congress commits to reallocate confidential funds to agencies protecting West PH Sea

It is unclear which agencies would lose confidential and intelligence funds because of the decision, but groups have been calling on lawmakers to realign secret funds from Marcos' and Duterte's offices

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]

Senator Hontiveros won this round 👍 The Duterte faction's power is fading fast.

"The confidential funds initially for Vice President and Education Secretary #SaraDuterte's offices will be redirected toward agencies at the forefront of efforts to address tensions in the #WestPhilippineSea" #PhilippineCoastGuard #BajoDeMasinloc #ScarboroughShoal #Philippines

Caving in to pressure, House to strip #Duterte-led OVP, DepEd of confidential funds
https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-strips-deped-ovp-duterte-confidential-funds-september-2023/

Caving in to pressure, House to strip Duterte-led OVP, DepEd of confidential funds

The confidential funds initially for Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte's offices will be redirected toward agencies at the forefront of efforts to address tensions in the West Philippine Sea

RAPPLER
Sep 27, 2023 at 5:54pmWeb
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 3, 2023

Note that #AUKUS is fully represented in this exercise. France is trying to expand it's #AsiaPacific presence - as is the #EU.

Maritime Training Activity #SamaSama2023 is the seventh and largest iteration of the drills as participants from #Australia, #Canada, #France, #Japan, the #UnitedKingdom and #Malaysia join the #US and the #Philippines.

US and Philippines launch military drills with partners as #China tensions mount https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/03/asia/us-philippines-naval-exercise-sama-sama-intl-hnk-ml/index.html

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/109990114553961194

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 4, 2023

"Romualdez said he joins the country in mourning the death of three fishermen whose boat was rammed on Monday, October 2 by #PacificAnna, a crude #OilTanker registered under the flag of the #MarshallIslands, according to the #PhilippineCoastGuard (PCG)." #PanatagShoal #ScarboroughShoal #Philippines

#BajoDeMasinloc tragedy: Romualdez urges calm, lawmakers want more patrols
https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-lawmakers-reaction-bajo-de-masinloc-ramming-incident-filipino-fishing-boat-october-2023/

Bajo de Masinloc tragedy: Romualdez urges calm, lawmakers want more patrols

(1st UPDATE) 'The incident could have been prevented if there were more Philippine Coast Guard patrols in Bajo de Masinloc,' says House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 5, 2023

"#MANILA, #Philippines – In the wee hours of the morning on October 2, Monday, as its 14-man crew were fishing off the vicinity of #BajoDeMasinloc in the #WestPhilippineSea, the Filipino fishing boat #Dearyn was hit by a much larger commercial ship that was passing through the area." #ScarboroughShoal

What we know: Ship hits Filipino boat Dearyn in West Philippine Sea
https://www.rappler.com/nation/what-we-know-ship-filipino-dearyn-collision-west-philippine-sea-october-2023/

What we know: Ship hits Filipino boat Dearyn in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard says it will reach out to the Marshall Islands where the ship Pacific Anna is registered, as well as the next port the oil tanker is set to visit

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 10, 2023

The Philippine Coast Guard should be getting a good chunk of this.

"In a statement on Tuesday, October 10, House appropriations committee chairperson Zaldy Co said a total of P1.23 billion in confidential funds were realigned to agencies at the forefront of efforts to assert the #Philippines’ territorial rights in the #WestPhilippineSea." #SouthChinaSea

House denies 2024 confidential fund requests of #OVP, #DepEd, #DA, #DICT, #DFA
https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-denies-confidential-fund-request-ovp-deped-da-dict-dfa-2024/

House denies 2024 confidential fund requests of OVP, DepEd, DA, DICT, DFA

A total of P1.23 billion in confidential funds were realigned to agencies at the forefront of efforts to assert the Philippines' territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 11, 2023

More multi-role fighters, more ships and maybe submarines. #China’s aggressive actions in the #WestPHSea has radically altered the modernization program. #SouthChinaSea #JAS39Gripen

AFP shifts defenses to Philippine EEZ
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211384

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/110903017436035794

AFP shifts defenses to Philippine EEZ

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program is now being reconfigured or shifted to provide the military with the capabilities needed to protect the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or 200 nautical miles from its coast. This shift is now undergoing in Horizon…

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 11, 2023

Linking the Philippine Air Force Saab #JAS39Gripen multi-role fighter (MRF) thread to the #WestPHSea thread. There is a strong possibility the #Philippines will be getting more than 14 MRF's (12 Gripen C & 2 Gripen D) since that number won't be enough to cover our #EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone).

Note that the PAF was also considering getting F16's from the US though that proved too expensive for the original budget. Delivery time was also longer.

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/111217207760266274

Norobiik @[email protected] (@[email protected])

Attached: 1 image More multi-role fighters, more ships and maybe submarines. #China’s aggressive actions in the #WestPHSea has radically altered the modernization program. #SouthChinaSea #JAS39Gripen AFP shifts defenses to Philippine EEZ https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1211384 Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/110903017436035794

Noc.Social
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 17, 2023

#China has pissed off Canada several times, it's just not us na binabastos nila.
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While neither Filipino and Canadian officials will say it out loud, the dark vessel detection system is an invaluable tool as the #Philippines becomes more assertive in defending its territory and asserting its claim over the #WestPhilippineSea, or parts of the #SouthChinaSea within its exclusive economic zone.

What access to #Canada’s dark vessel detection means for the Philippines
https://www.rappler.com/nation/what-access-canada-dark-vessel-means-philippines/

What access to Canada's dark vessel detection means for the Philippines

China ships – both its coast guard and maritime militia – are known for going 'dark' while out in the West Philippine Sea, making them hard to monitor

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 17, 2023

The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules is a much updated & longer version of the C-130, the flying workhorses of the #AFP's logistics arm.
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"These C130s will surely boost our airlift capability to support #MilitaryOperations and other national development efforts to include #ReliefOperations during times of #disasters and #calamities,” said the #PhilippineAirForce in a separate statement

#Philippines pushes through with purchase of 3 new C-130 planes
https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-pushes-through-with-purchase-new-c-130-planes/

Philippines pushes through with purchase of 3 new C-130 planes

The DND says the new planes would 'provide our Air Force with greater operational flexibility'

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 19, 2023

The island is located 141 km (88 mi) southeast of the southern tip of #Taiwan's main island and 98 km (61 mi) to the nearest Taiwanese island, the "Lesser Orchid Island".

For reference, a flight from Manila to Baguio is 210km(130 mi) . #EEZ

Navy inaugurates detachment on #MavulisIsland, northernmost tip of the #Philippines

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1848040/navy-inaugurates-detachment-on-mavulis-island-northernmost-tip-of-ph

Navy inaugurates detachment on Mavulis Island, northernmost tip of PH

The Philippine flag fllies over Mavulis Island in Itbayat, Batanes. (File photo from the office of Sen. Francis Tolentino) MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy inaugurated on Wednesday the

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 19, 2023

In the #AFP, there are area commands, with units from the different services under its wing, and there are commands that offer support to the whole military. The #CyberGroup is one of those support units, alongside the AFP Reserve Command and Procurement Service, among others. #Philippines #cybersecurity

Brawner said he wants the Cyber Group expanded into a command so it can have more personnel and equipment.

AFP chief Brawner eyes #CyberCommand
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/afp-chief-brawner-eyes-expanded-command-cyber-warriors/

AFP chief Brawner eyes 'Cyber Command'

The Philippine military chief says the AFP is subject to hacking attempts ‘almost every day’

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 23, 2023

The #Philippines accused #China’s coast guard of “dangerous blocking manoeuvres” that caused it to collide with a Philippine resupply boat about 25km from #SecondThomasShoal, where the warship was deliberately run aground decades ago to underline the Philippines’ claims in the sea. #BRPSierraMadre #WestPHSea

The Philippines summons Chinese ambassador after two #SouthChinaSea collisions
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/23/china-philippines-ships-boats-collision-south-china-sea-vessels-spratly-islands

The Philippines summons Chinese ambassador after two South China Sea collisions

The Philippine coast guard claims that ships were ‘bumped’ by Chinese vessels in incidents close to outposts in the Spratly Islands

The Guardian
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 24, 2023

Japan & South Korea have been growing closer together. Note how both included each other's nationals in their evacuation flights from Israel recently.

#MANILA, #Philippines – Both #Japan and #SouthKorea criticized “unilateral” actions that increase tensions in the #SouthChinaSea days after #Manila and #Beijing blamed each other for two recent collision incidents close to #AyunginShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea.
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-south-korea-express-concern-china-ships-collide-philippine-boats/,

Japan, South Korea express concern after China ships collide with PH vessels

The two East Asian nations echo statements made after the Camp David Trilateral Summit in August on China's 'dangerous and aggressive' behavior in the South China Sea

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Oct 25, 2023

During their scheduled early November summit in the #Philippines, Prime Minister #FumioKishida and President #FerdinandMarcos Jr. are expected to greenlight negotiations for a "reciprocal access agreement," facilitating the presence of visiting forces, according to sources.

It would be #Japan's first #RAA with a member of the #ASEAN and the third following the agreements with #Australia and #Britain .

#China

Japan, Philippines mull starting talks on new #SecurityPact
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20231025/p2g/00m/0na/035000c

Japan, Philippines mull starting talks on new security pact - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese and Philippine governments are considering negotiations on a new bilateral treaty to boost security cooperation and faci

The Mainichi
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 3, 2023

The incident was the second of two encounters the #Ottawa’s helicopter had with Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy #J11 fighter jets over international waters on October 29, which saw the fighters get as close as 100 feet from the helicopter, Millen told CNN in an interview aboard the warship. #Canada #China

Exclusive: Chinese jet fired flares close to submarine-hunting helicopter in #SouthChinaSea, Canadian Navy says | CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/03/asia/canada-china-helicopter-interception-south-china-sea-hnk-intl/index.html

Image source : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenyang_J-11

Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 4, 2023

Diplomacy focused on the contested waters is the latest in a series of talks leading up to #JoeBiden and #XiJinping’s meeting this month in #SanFrancisco. #China

#US, Chinese diplomats meet in Beijing to discuss maritime issues including #SouthChinaSea
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3240318/us-chinese-diplomats-meet-beijing-discuss-maritime-issues-including-south-china-sea

US, Chinese diplomats meet to discuss maritime issues including South China Sea

Diplomacy focused on the contested waters is the latest in a series of bilateral talks leading up to Joe Biden and Xi Jinping’s meeting this month in San Francisco.

South China Morning Post
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 4, 2023

#HateSpeech has proliferated but usually vigilant Chinese censors seem unwilling to remove it.

#Israel-#Gaza war fuels online #AntiSemitism, #Islamophobia in #China
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/4/israel-gaza-war-fuels-online-anti-semitism-islamophobia-in-china

Israel-Gaza war fuels online anti-Semitism, Islamophobia in China

Hate speech has proliferated but usually vigilant Chinese censors seem unwilling to remove it.

Al Jazeera
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 9, 2023

#MANILA, #Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (#PCG) will receive five additional multi-role response vessels from #Japan within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to National Economic and Development Authority (#NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday. #WestPHSea #SouthChinaSea

#PHCoastGuard to receive 5 vessels from Japan
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/222343/ph-coast-guard-to-receive-5-vessels-from-japan

PH Coast Guard to receive 5 vessels from Japan

Philippine Coast Guard. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will receive five additional multi-role response vessels from Japan within the term of

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 10, 2023

#Filipino and Chinese vessels engaged in a heated confrontation anew during another resupply mission in #AyunginShoal, #WestPhilippineSea on Friday, Nov. 10, with the hostilities reaching its climax when a #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) ship deployed a #watercannon against a much smaller indigenous boat chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). #BRPSierraMadre #Philippines #SouthChinaSea

China Coast Guard deploys water cannon vs PH supply boat anew
https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/9/china-coast-guard-deploys-water-cannon-vs-ph-supply-boat-anew

China Coast Guard deploys water cannon vs PH supply boat anew

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said CCG and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels "recklessly harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous maneuvers" against two supply boats rented by the AFP to bring fresh provisions to troops onboard BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Manila Bulletin
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 11, 2023

The #Philippines occupies nine features in the #KalayaanIsland Group (KIG) , namely: #Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, #Pagasa (Thitu) Island, #Lawak (Nanshan) Island, #Parola (Northeast Cay) Island, #Patag (Flat) Island, #Kota (Loaita) Island, #Rizal (Commodore) Reef, #Likas (West York) Island, and #Panata (Lankiam Cay) Island. #SouthChinaSea

Romualdez bares #WestPHSea development project plans | Global News
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/222457/romualdez-on-govt-plans-to-develop-other-islands-in-wps

Romualdez bares West PH Sea development project plans

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday said the government has plans to develop other features in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West

INQUIRER.net
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 13, 2023

ABOARD THE #BRPMelchoraAquino – It’s a sight to behold – perhaps not in a good way. In an area in the #WestPhilippineSea well within the #Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (#EEZ), the Philippines’ was vastly outnumbered against #China in another routine resupply mission to the #BRPSierraMadre in #AyunginShoal. #SouthChinaSea

WATCH: In Ayungin, PH Coast Guard smarts and daring trump China’s 11-ship blocking team 
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-philippine-coast-guard-china-ship-blocking-ayungin-shoal-november-10-2023/

WATCH: In Ayungin, PH Coast Guard smarts and daring trump China’s 11-ship blocking team 

Philippine vessels deftly outsmart and outmaneuver to win the lopsided 5 to 38 match-up. The PCG says it will not be deterred, even if China doubles or triples their deployment. 

RAPPLER
Show threadNorobiik @[email protected]Nov 14, 2023

Sen. #GracePoe, the sponsor of the #DOTr 2024 budget, said the #PCG was spending P1.7 billion yearly for fuel alone. She added that most PCG vessels were “inoperable” as these had not been maintained due to insufficient funds. #Philippines

Senate grants additional budget for #PhilippineCoastGuard | Inquirer News
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1859339/senate-gramts-additional-budget-for-philippine-coast-guard

Senate grants additional budget for Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to receive an ample increase in its budget for next year, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri disclosed late Monday. Zubiri made

INQUIRER.net