Philippines

The Philippines (PH), a Southeast Asian country, has been conducting air patrols over the South China Sea (SCS), a disputed and strategic waterway, where it claims sovereignty and rights over some islands and features, such as the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal. The PH air patrols, which involve military aircraft and personnel, are aimed to assert and defend the …

The South China Sea is a strategic and resource-rich waterway that is claimed by several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. China claims almost the entire sea, based on its historical rights and its nine-dash line, which was rejected by an international tribunal in 2016. The other claimants base their claims on the United Nations Convention …

On February 15, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced that its official X account, @coastguardph, had been hacked and compromised by unknown perpetrators. The incident, which lasted for about an hour, resulted in the deletion of all the posts and media on the account, and the disruption of the PCG’s communication and information dissemination to the public.  The incident …

On the night of February 7, 2024, a massive landslide struck the gold-mining village of Masara in Maco town, Davao de Oro province, Philippines, burying hundreds of people and vehicles under tons of mud and debris.  The disaster, triggered by weeks of heavy rain and exacerbated by the unstable soil and deforestation in the area, claimed at least 54 lives …

The Philippines is closely monitoring the situation in Taiwan, as the island faces increasing pressure and threats from China, which claims it as part of its territory. The Philippines, which has its own territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, is concerned about the implications of a potential conflict between Taiwan and China for its security and interests …

Rodrigo Duterte was the 16th president of the Philippines, who served from 2016 to 2022. He was known for his controversial and populist policies, especially his war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths and human rights violations. He was also known for his outspoken and provocative remarks, which often strained his relations with other countries and institutions, such …

The 2024 presidential election in the Philippines is expected to be a tense and turbulent affair, as two rival factions vie for power and influence: Rodrigo Duterte, the incumbent president and leader of the PDP-Laban party, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator and leader of the NP-NPC coalition. Both candidates have loyal and passionate followers, but …

The Philippines is planning to buy its first submarines as part of its military modernization program, which aims to defend its sovereignty and interests in the disputed South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has approved the third phase of the program, which includes the acquisition of two diesel-electric submarines, among other assets and capabilities. The plan is estimated to …

CNN Philippines, the only predominantly English-language channel on free TV in the Philippines, is shutting down on January 31, 2024, after nine years of operation.  The closure is a result of the serious financial losses that the company has suffered over the past years, despite its efforts to adapt and innovate in a challenging media landscape. The closure will not …

The political feud between former president Rodrigo Duterte and current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has escalated to a new level, as Duterte launched a series of verbal attacks against Marcos, calling him a “drug addict” and threatening him with ouster.  Duterte spoke at a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday, January 28, 2024, where he was joined by his …