#SonnyTrillanes filed the complaints before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Tuesday, May 14. The former senator, one of the staunchest critics of former president #RodrigoDuterte, said he filed libel and #CyberLibel complaints against Roque and Banat By for accusing him of giving away #ScarboroughShoal (#PanatagShoal) to #China during backchannel talks in 2012. #Philippines #WestPHSea

Trillanes sues #HarryRoque, #SMNI, #BanatBy for libel, cyber libel
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/trillanes-sues-harry-roque-smni-banat-by-cyber-libel/

#MANILA, #Philippines (AP) — A flotilla of about 100 mostly small fishing boats led by #FilipinoActivists sailed Wednesday to a disputed shoal in the #SouthChinaSea, where #Beijing’s coast guard and suspected #MilitiaShips have used powerful #WaterCannons to ward off what they regard as intruders.

The #PhilippineCoastGuard and navy deployed one patrol ship each to keep watch from a distance on the activists and fishermen. #WestPHSea

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/filipino-activists-and-fishermen-sail-in-100-boat-flotilla-to-disputed-shoal-guarded-by-china/ar-BB1mpsYv

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112433192894493115

#MANILA, #Philippines – A coalition of civic organizations pushed through with a #CivilianMission to #ScarboroughShoal or #PanatagShoal in the #WestPhilippineSea on Wednesday, May 15.

The group will sail towards the “general vicinity of #BajoDeMasinloc,” a feature just over 120 nautical miles off the coast of #Zambales. #WestPHSea

Civilian group #AtinIto sails towards Panatag Shoal, as fleet of #China ships await
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/civilian-group-atin-ito-sails-scarborough-panatag-shoal-may-2024/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112443587111721837

#WestPhilippineSea, #Philippines — Two #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) vessels on Wednesday shadowed and tried to block the Filipino civilian-led convoy sailing toward #PanatagShoal (#ScarboroughShoal) in the #WestPhilippineSea (WPS), a resource-rich area in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that was seized by #China in 2012. #WestPHSea

2 China Coast Guard ships try to block ‘#AtinIto’ convoy
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236087/2-china-coast-guard-ships-try-to-block-atin-ito-convoy

#MANILA, #Philippines – Over 46 Chinese government vessels have been deployed at the vicinity of #PanatagShoal, also called #BajoDeMasinloc or #ScarboroughShoal, a feature just 120 nautical miles off the coast of #Zambales province in the #WestPhilippineSea.

At least 19 of those vessels were in the immediate area of the shoal. #WestPHSea

WATCH: Massive vessel deployment in Panatag betrays a scared China, says Philippines
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-coast-guard-maritime-militia-deployment-scarborough-shoal-atin-ito/

ABOARD FBCA BING BING — The #MotherBoat of a civilian convoy aiming to bring supplies to #FilipinoFishermen could not reach #ScarboroughShoal due to being shadowed by #ChinaCoastGuard (CCG) vessels.

“It is not advisable to proceed because it is already risky,” Ariel Bustillos, the captain of Fbca Bing Bing. #WestPHSea #PanatagShoal

China ships block convoy's mother boat from reaching Scarborough
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236147/chinese-ships-block-convoys-mother-boat-from-reaching-scarborough

#MANILA, #Philippine — Volunteers of the civilian-led convoy that reached about 50 nautical miles from #ScarboroughShoal (#PanatagShoal) have concluded their mission and will now return to #SubicPort, according to #AtinIto (This is Ours) Coalition. #WestPHSea

Scarborough convoy concludes mission, heads back to Subic port
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236327/scarborough-convoy-concludes-mission-now-heading-back-to-subic-port

#China has issued a regulation empowering its coast guard to detain foreigners trespassing in the #SouthChinaSea following the Philippine civilian mission to the #WestPhilippineSea (WPS) that ended on Friday. #WestPHSea

#ChinaCoastGuard empowered to detain 'trespassers' in SCS; PCG unfazed
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/907082/china-eyes-arrest-of-civilians-in-south-china-sea-ph-coast-guard-unfazed/story/

The #Philippines will acquire five additional large patrol ships from #Japan through a P23.85-billion deal signed Friday, amid growing tensions in the #WestPhilippineSea.

The #PCG currently has two 97-meter patrol vessels as part of a fleet seen as inadequate for patrolling waters around the vast archipelago nation. #WestPHSea

PH to buy 5 Japan-made coast guard ships in P23.85-billion deal
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236428/philippines-to-buy-5-japan-made-coast-guard-ships-in-p23-85-billion-deal

Image Link: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRP_Teresa_Magbanua

Vice Adm. #AlbertoCarlos, who supposedly confirmed that a “new model” arrangement to ease tension between the #Philippines and #China during the resupply of the troops at #AyunginShoal #SecondThomasShoal, has been removed as chief of the military’s #WesternCommand (#Wescom). #WestPHSea

It’s official:Carlos out as chief of Wescom
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1941826/its-official-carlos-out-as-chief-of-wescom

#SihanoukvillePort is north of the #ReamNavalBase, where #China has funded a broad expansion project that has been carefully watched by the #UnitedStates and others over concerns it could become a new outpost for the #ChineseNavy on the #GulfOfThailand. The Gulf is adjacent to the #SouthChinaSea.

Chinese ambassador promises 'friendship' and 'cooperation' as 2 Chinese warships dock in #Cambodia
https://apnews.com/article/cambodia-china-warships-naval-exercises-military-f9e4b2a90d326143ead146ba5dd9342b

"A larger #CivilianMovement pushing for #peace and #SustainableDevelopment in the #SouthChinaSea and in the #WestPhilippineSea is an idea whose time has come." #WestPHSea

[OPINION] #JohnLennon, the West Philippine Sea, and #AtinIto
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-john-lennon-west-philippine-sea-atin-ito/

It's much more than a mere goodwill visit, let's see how it goes 🤞
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The ships—guided missile destroyer #INSDelhi, fleet tanker #INSShakti and ASW corvette #INSKiltan—belong to the #IndianNavy’s Eastern Fleet. The visit comes amid the growing ties between #Manila and #NewDelhi. #India has reiterated its support for the #Philippines's territorial rights in the #WestPhilippineSea. #WestPHSea

3 Indian warships in Manila on goodwill visit
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/236709/3-indian-warships-in-manila-on-goodwill-visit

Around $1B+ too pricey.
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In 2021, the #UnitedStates approved the potential sale of 12 latest variants of #F16 fighter jets to its close ally, the #Philippines — however, the proposed purchase has been delayed due to financial constraints faced by #Manila, which deems the offered price by #Washington as “too pricey” and beyond its financial capability.

US made F16 "Too Pricey", Manila Considers #Sweden's #JAS39Gripen and Used F16
https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/u-s-made-f-16-too-pricey-manila-considers-swedens-jas39-gripen-and-used-fighter-jets-2/

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112281631918676000

With #China’s trespassing in the #WestPhilippineSea (WPS) already a local concern besides being a national issue, the city council here has invited national government officials to explain #China’s new regulation directing its coast guard to detain “foreigners” crossing areas of Philippine waters it has occupied. #Philippines #WestPHSea

#Palawan officials to gov't: Clarify China rule on WPS
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943206/palawan-officials-to-govt-clarify-china-rule-on-wps

The #PhilippineCoastGuard is accusing Chinese fishers of destroying biodiversity in the #SouthChinaSea's hotly disputed #ScarboroughShoal. #China is denying the claims, insisting that the #Philippines is responsible, saying it is illegally occupying the area. #Philippines #WestPHSea

Philippine Coast Guard Accuses Chinese Fishers of Damaging #Biodiversity [VIDEO]
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/philippine-coast-guard-accuses-chinese-fishers-of-damaging-biodiversity-taiwanplus-news/vi-BB1mMETX?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&cvid=c40c4c9abcd445c382c1f06f0d3586a7&ei=30&PC=EMMX01

The #PhilippineNavy on Wednesday said it commissioned two additional Israeli-made gunboats designed to mount missiles.

The #AceroClassGunboats have a maximum speed of 43 knots with a range of 1,600 nautical miles (at a cruising speed of 15 knots). Their endurance make the fast attack interdiction craft (#FAIC) ideal for extended patrols within the #Philippines’ EEZ. #WestPHSea

PH Navy commissions 2 more missile-mountable gunboats
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943665/ph-navy-commissions-2-more-missile-mountable-gunboats

Image source: https://www.bairdmaritime.com/security/naval/vessel-review-nestor-acero-philippine-navy-welcomes-missile-capable-attack-boats-into-service/

A team of Chinese scientists say they have come up with a way to build tunnels under artificial islands in the South China Sea,which #Beijing uses to reinforce its claim to large swathes of contested territory. #China #Philippines #WestPHSea

Chinese team proposes invisible expansion in disputed #SouthChinaSea using tunnels
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/china/south-china-sea-spratly-islands-ocean-university-b2549329.html

A furious #China launched "punishment" drills around #Taiwan on Thursday in what it said was a response to "separatist acts", sending up heavily armed #warplanes and staging mock attacks as state media denounced newly inaugurated President #LaiChingTe.

Furious China launches 'punishment' #WarGames around Taiwan
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/furious-china-launches-punishment-war-games-around-taiwan/ar-BB1mTvo6?ocid=emmx-mmx-feeds&PC=EMMX01

Ang #Itbayat ay halos 200 kilometro ang layo mula sa #CapeEluanbi, ang southernmost point ng #Taiwan na itinuturing ng #China bilang probinsiya nito. #Philippines

#PCG, binuksan na ang bagong monitoring station sa #Batanes island malapit sa Taiwan | Bombo Radyo News
https://www.bomboradyo.com/pcg-binuksan-na-ang-bagong-monitoring-station-sa-batanes-island-malapit-sa-taiwan

#China’s military started its second day of war games around #Taiwan on Friday, May 24, with drills to test their ability to “seize power” and control key areas, exercises it has said were launched to punish Taiwan’s President #LaiChingTe.

China starts second day of #WarGames around Taiwan to test ability to 'seize power'
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/china-war-games-around-taiwan-test-ability-seize-power-may-24-2024/

#LeonardoCuaresma, a member of the New Masinloc Fishermen Association and designated spokesperson for all #fisherfolk in #Zambales, confirmed that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) fires water cannon at Filipino #FishingBoats in #ScarboroughShoal, which also known as #PanatagShoal and #BajoDeMasinloc. #WestPHSea

Zambales fishers lament CCG's bullying in Scarborough
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/237399/zambales-fisherfolk-lament-on-bullying-in-bajo-de-masinloc

#Taiwan’s defense ministry said on Saturday that it had detected a total of 62 Chinese aircraft and 27 navy ships.The aircraft, including advanced #Su30 fighters and nuclear-capable #H6 bombers, flew in the strait as well as down into the #BashiChannel, which separates #Taiwan from the #Philippines, the ministry said.

#China ends #WarGames, Taiwan details warplane, warship surge
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/china-ends-war-games-taiwan-details-warplane-warship-surge/

The #T129 is a twin-engine #AttackHelicopter designed for day and night missions. It features observation and targeting systems, precision weapons capabilities, and lethal fire support technology.

The Philippine military is realigning its modernization program amid tension with #China in nearby waterways of the #WestPhilippineSea. #ThituIsland #Turkey

#Philippines receives two delayed T129 combat helicopters
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/05/24/philippines-receives-two-delayed-t129-combat-helicopters/

Sa tagal ng usapan (10 years) naging Gripen-E na yung offer 🤣 We'll see if #LockheedMartin (F16) can match it.
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The #Philippines and #Sweden have signed a key agreement to support Manila’s planned acquisition of #MultiRoleFighter (MRF) aircraft for the #PhilippineAirForce (PAF).

#Stockholm has long been offering to supply Swedish-made #Saab #JAS39Gripen fighter jets to the PAF. #WestPHSea

PH, Sweden sign pact on fighter purchases
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/237572/ph-sweden-sign-pact-on-fighter-purchases

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112477124720108689

Feb 2024 article. An airborne mobile radar will be huge for the #WestPHSea
--
#Sweden is likely to offer a Lease/finance arrangement similar to the one
it has with #Thailand. This is more
cost-effective than an outright sale
even compared to a "budget" fighter jet
such as the #FA50.

It's also expected to further sweeten
the deal with the offer of an #Saab2000Erieye early warning system as part of the Gripen package #Philippines

https://www.defensemirror.com/news/36187

Back toot: https://noc.social/@Norobiik/112510639476664212

#Taiwan’s space agency is working on its own version of ‘#Starlink,’ which will allow the island to remain online even if Taiwan’s #UnderseaCable system is hit during a conflict.

CNN’s #WillRipley sits down with the director of the #TaiwanSpaceAgency in an international exclusive to find out more about the island’s #SpaceProgram.

Taiwan’s internet is vulnerable to #China threats. Its space agency is stepping in [VIDEO]
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/taiwan-s-internet-is-vulnerable-to-china-threats-its-space-agency-is-stepping-in/vi-BB1n71dW

The 2024 dialogue will be held from May 31 to June 2, with Philippine President #FerdinandMarcosJr scheduled to give the keynote speech in the evening of May 31.

This will be the first time a Philippine head of state will deliver the keynote speech at the annual event. #Philippines

#GazaWar, #SouthChinaSea tensions likely key topics at 21st #ShangriLaDialogue in #Singapore
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/gaza-war-south-china-sea-tensions-likely-key-topics-at-21st-shangri-la-dialogue-in-s-pore

The May 31 meeting in #Singapore is a realisation of an agreement by US President #JoeBiden and Chinese President #XiJinping in #SanFrancisco in November 2023 to resume #MilitaryCommunication, which was severed after then-US House Speaker #NancyPelosi visited #Taiwan in August 2022. #SouthChinaSea

US, Chinese defence chiefs meet for the first time at #ShangriLaDialogue in Singapore
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/us-chinese-defence-chiefs-meet-for-the-first-time-at-singapore-s-shangri-la-dialogue

#Washington’s focus on competition with #China since the mid-to-late 2010s sparked changes, the report says, and its operations with allies #Japan, the #Philippines and #Australia are more important.

The shift towards more frequent and larger exercises with more partners followed prior trends but along a much steeper trajectory that is set to continue beyond 2024. #SouthChinaSea

#MilitaryDrill tempo picks up in #asia but China still lags US and allies, report says
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/military-drill-tempo-picks-up-asia-china-still-lags-united-states-allies/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr #Zelensky is expected to attend the #ShangriLaDialogue security conference in #Singapore, six sources said, as #Ukraine faces a renewed assault two years after Russian forces invaded.

#SecurityAssistance for Ukraine is expected to be one of the key issues discussed at the 2024 dialogue.

Ukraine’s Zelensky expected to attend Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ukraine-s-zelensky-expected-to-attend-singapore-s-shangri-la-dialogue

#MANILA, #Philippines – President #FerdinandMarcosJr. used his high-profile speech at a defense summit in #Singapore to criticize #China anew, saying that the dream of a peaceful #SouthChinaSea remains a distant reality because of the world superpower’s actions.

At Asia’s top defense forum, Marcos decries China’s ‘deceptive actions’
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-jr-decries-china-deceptive-actions-west-sea-shangri-la-dialogue-may-2024/

Philippine President #FerdinandMarcosJr. addresses defense leaders security experts from dozens of countries at the #2024ShangriLaDialogue on Friday, May 31. #Philippines #SouthChinaSea

President Marcos speaks at the 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue

https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=DniWpFaYSY8&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rappler.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rappler.com&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

Addressing a question raised by #ChineseGeneral after his keynote address at the #ShangriLaDialogue in #Singapore, #PresidentMarcos says the #Philippines 'still remains true to the principles' of #ASEAN

WATCH: Marcos responds to Chinese general’s question on PH ‘behavior’ in #SouthChinaSea
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-marcos-response-chinese-general-question-south-china-sea/

Mr Austin evoked “a future of fresh and growing partnerships” in a speech at the #ShangriLaDialogue on June 1, which immediately elicited a question from a Chinese delegate on whether the #US was planning to build “a #Nato-like system in the #AsiaPacific region”. #China #ASEAN #Philippines #SouthChinaSea

‘US can be secure only if #Asia is’: US defence chief pledges to deepen strategic alliances in region
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/us-can-be-secure-only-if-asia-is-us-defence-chief-pledges-to-deepen-strategic-alliances-in-region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr #Zelensky has arrived in #Singapore June 1 and will address the #ShangriLaDialogue on June 2, as he seeks to rally support for his country, which faces a renewed assault two years after Russian forces invaded.

The Ukrainian delegation hopes to meet the Chinese delegation led by Defence Minister #DongJun #China

#Ukraine's Zelensky arrives in Singapore, to speak at Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ukraine-s-president-zelensky-to-speak-at-shangri-la-dialogue-on-june-2

Even more details in this article.
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After arriving at the conference venue in a motorcade amid heavy security, #Zelenskiy said in a statement on the social media platform X that he had come to gather support from the #AsiaPacific region for a #PeaceSummit planned for June 15-16 in #Switzerland. #ShangriLaDialogue #Ukraine

Zelenskiy arrives in #Singapore for Shangri-La
https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/zelenskiy-arrives-singapore-shangri-la-dialogue-june-1-2024/Dialogue

In anticipation of a big announcement by the Department of National Defense this June, here's a tidy presentation of the #Gripen's capabilities. #Philippines #JAS39

Demonstration of #NATO Ready Status by #Sweden's Agile #JAS39Gripen Jets
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/demonstration-of-nato-ready-status-by-sweden-s-agile-jas-39-gripen-jets/ss-BB1nexOa?PC=EMMX01

Philippine #DepartmentOfDefense(DoD)spokesperson #ArsenioAndolong said that senior officials from the Philippine DoD, #Sweden, and companies recently held a meeting.

The meeting involved not only the Department of Defense but also the #DepartmentOfFinance and the #DepartmentOfForeignAffairs of this Southeast Asian country.

#Philippines “Increasingly Close” to Acquiring #JAS39 #Gripen Fighter Jets from Sweden
https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/philippines-increasingly-close-to-acquiring-jas39-gripen-fighter-jets-from-sweden/

#China’s defense minister warned Sunday of “limits” to #Beijing’s restraint on the #SouthChinaSea and over the deployment of ballistic missiles in the #AsiaPacific region.

The #Philippines and the #UnitedStates are longstanding treaty allies, and #Manila is a key focus of #Washington’s efforts to strengthen alliances and partnerships in the #AsiaPacific region. #ShangriLaDialogue

China defense chief warns of ‘limits’ to restraint on South China Sea
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/238339/china-defense-chief-warns-of-limits-to-restraint-on-south-china-sea#ixzz8bxsN1kMC