China and the Philippines Inch Closer to Conflict in the South China Sea

Posted to The Diplomat (Jun 19, 2024): China and the Philippines Inch Closer to Conflict in the South China Sea (By Sebastian Strangio)

After eight Philippine marines were injured in a melee with Chinese forces this week, some are questioning the response of Manila’s foreign allies.



The dilapidated but still active Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre sits at the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on Aug. 22, 2023.Credit: AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File

Foreign governments have again condemned China for its “reckless” actions in the South China Sea, following a melee that injured eight Philippine naval personnel, one of them severely.

The incident occurred on Monday, when Chinese vessels successfully blocked a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. During the operation, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel collided with a Philippine supply ship and Chinese forces boarded several small Philippine boats.

The incident was first reported by the CCG, which, perhaps seeking to get out ahead of the international response, said on Monday that a Philippine supply ship had entered waters near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. In a statement on the social media platform WeChat, the CCG said the Philippine vessel “ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings … and dangerously approached a Chinese vessel in normal navigation in an unprofessional manner, resulting in a collision.”

In response, the Philippine military described the CCG report as “deceptive and misleading,” with Secretary of Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. pledging that his country’s armed forces would resist “China’s dangerous and reckless behavior.” The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea accused China of “engaging in dangerous maneuvers, including ramming and towing,” actions that it described as “illegal, aggressive, and reckless.”

As with previous incidents, Manila’s foreign partners have issued statements condemning the incident. The U.S. State Department stated that Chinese vessels’ “dangerous and deliberate use of water cannons, ramming, blocking maneuvers, and towing damaged Philippine vessels” reflected a “consistent disregard for the safety of Filipinos and for international law in the South China Sea.” Canada’s government denounced the CCG’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions,” while Australia expressed its “grave concern.” The South Korean and British ambassadors to the Philippines also both condemned the Chinese vessels’ “dangerous actions.”

Since then, Filipino news reports have offered additional details that have shed light on the seriousness of the confrontation, and Beijing’s adoption of gradually more forceful tactics in the South China Sea.

According to the reports, six Philippine vessels took part in the attempted resupply operation, none of which was able to reach Second Thomas Shoal, where a unit of Philippine marines is stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship. As the Palawan News reported yesterday, citing an unnamed source, Chinese forces “reportedly targeted all the mission vessels, including rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), puncturing them and rendering them immobile.”

It reported that Chinese forces also confiscated eight weapons from Filipino troops after boarding one of the RHIBs. In the ensuing melee, one member of the Naval Special Operations Group lost one of his fingers. Another seven were injured. GMA Integrated News also quoted a source as saying that four Philippine RHIBs were “hostaged” by China but were later released following negotiations.

Over the past year, China has made repeated attempts to prevent the resupply of the Philippine forces on Second Thomas Shoal. These attempts have grown gradually more forceful, involving the ramming of Philippine Coast Guard ships and the use of high-powered water cannons against Philippine vessels.

As Radio Free Asia notes, the incident was the third this year in which Philippine personnel have been hurt while attempting to resupply troops stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal. During incidents on March 5 and 23, Philippine crew members were injured when their supply boats were hit by water cannons from CCG vessels. Last month, the CCG harassed Philippine service members being medically evacuated from the Sierra Madre and seized airdropped provisions intended for the marines stationed there.

This recent incident, the first in which Philippine and Chinese forces have come to direct physical blows, suggests that China has met the Philippines’ more robust and resistant policy on the South China Sea, which has included a “transparency initiative” aimed at publicizing China’s activities to the world, by upping the ante.

As a result, China has inched ever closer to activating the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). Since 2019, U.S. officials have repeatedly assured Manila that an armed attack on any Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea will oblige it to come to the Philippines’ aid under Article IV of the treaty. As Euan Graham of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute noted on X following the incident, “We are shockingly close to an incident that triggers the MDT and deterrence is not working.”

After most of these incidents, the Philippines’ foreign partners have issued statements condemning the Chinese actions and urging Beijing to adhere to the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims to the South China Sea – a ruling that the Chinese government rejects.

The latest revelations have raised questions about whether these responses, and particularly that of the United States, the Philippines’ longtime security ally, are sufficient. As Jeffrey Ordaniel of the Pacific Forum noted in a post on X, “pressure is growing for the U.S. to actually do something beyond just ‘copy/pasting’ previous statements ‘condemning’ [China] & ‘standing with’ [the Philippines].”

However, it is less clear what the Philippines and its partners can and should do to defend against the more muscular Chinese approach, without themselves inflaming the situation further and pushing the Philippines and China toward an open conflict – one in which the U.S. would be treaty-bound to intervene.

Since late last year, the United States and other partners have conducted a number of joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea, the most recent of which was carried out by the Philippines, Canada, the U.S., and Japan on June 16-17. But Ordaniel pointed out that these have done “absolutely nothing” to deter China from its chosen course.

Don McLain Gill, a Manila-based geopolitical analyst, said that the situation was now at “a critical juncture” and that “the ball is in the court of the US-PH alliance.” Whatever Manila and Washington decide – for instance, whether to involve the U.S. and other partners like Japan in the Philippines’ resupply operations – they will have to tread with great care.

[Sebastian Strangio is Southeast Asia editor at The Diplomat.  

In 2008, he began his career as a reporter at The Phnom Penh Post in Cambodia, and has since traveled and reported extensively across the 10 nations of ASEAN. Sebastian’s writing has appeared in leading publications including Foreign Affairs, the Los Angeles Review of Books, and The New York Times, The Diplomat, and Nikkei Asian Review, among many others. He is the author of “Hun Sen’s Cambodia” (Yale, 2014), a path-breaking examination of Cambodia since the fall of the Khmer Rouge, and “In the Dragon’s Shadow: Southeast Asia in the Chinese Century“ (Yale, 2020).

Alongside his journalistic work, Sebastian has also consulted for a wide variety of economic risk firms and non-government organizations, and is quoted frequently in the international media on political developments in Southeast Asia. Sebastian holds a B.A. and Master’s degree in international politics from The University of Melbourne. He currently lives in Adelaide.]

https://thediplomat.com/2024/06/china-and-the-philippines-inch-closer-to-conflict-in-the-south-china-sea/

France Inaugurates New Defense Attaché Office In Manila

From Politiko (Jun 19, 2024): France Inaugurates New Defense Attaché Office In Manila (By ROY C. MABASA)

The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia has recently inaugurated a resident Defense Attaché Office in Manila with the designation of Captain Stéphan Litzler as the head of the newly-created office.

This development comes as a reflection of the commitment of Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance bilateral relations.

France’s increased defense cooperation with the Philippines has already been marked by significant events this year.

Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, visited Manila on April 24. France also participated in the Balikatan exercise in April, deploying the frigate Vendémiaire, and the destroyer Bretagne made a port call in Manila from May 31 to June 4.

In late July, the Philippines will host the first stopover of several French combat and support aircraft, including two Rafales, as part of the French Air Force’s Pegase deployment.

Captain Litzler will lead the new office, working alongside Colonel Michel Midon, the Armament Attaché stationed in Manila since September 2023, and Command Master Sergeant Éric Thieffry, who is expected to arrive soon.

Litzler graduated from the French Naval Academy in 1997 with a Master of Science and specialized in Anti-Submarine Warfare. He served on various French naval units, becoming an expert in fleet protection tactics aboard Frigate Latouche Tréville in 2003.

Participating in major naval operations, Litzler served in headquarters roles in Bahrain, Paris, and during Operation Unified Protector.

He later focused on International Relations, working in New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, before joining the Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy in 2020.

Litzler was appointed as the French Liaison officer in Singapore and as the first European Union Liaison officer to the Information Fusion Center.

He has received numerous awards, including the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit. He is married to Audrey and has two children.

Earlier this year, the French Embassy moved to new premises, equipped with additional resources.

https://politiko.com.ph/2024/06/19/france-inaugurates-new-defense-attache-office-in-manila/daily-feed/#google_vignette

In South China Sea dispute, Philippines' bolder hand tests Beijing

Posted to MSN (Jun 20,2024): In South China Sea dispute, Philippines' bolder hand tests Beijing (By Reuters)

FILE PHOTO: An aerial view shows the BRP Sierra Madre on the contested Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin, in the South China Sea, March 9, 2023./File Photo© Thomson Reuters

MANILA/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Huddled in the presidential situation room in February last year, senior Philippines officials faced a stark choice.

Military and intelligence leaders watched as coast guard officers showed photos of what the agency said was a military-grade laser that China had pointed at a Philippines ship in disputed waters days earlier.
Eduardo Ano, the national security adviser and chair of the South China Sea taskforce, had to decide whether to release the pictures and risk Beijing's ire, or refrain from aggravating his giant neighbour.

"The public deserves to know," the retired general told the officials. "Publish the photographs."

The previously undisclosed meeting marked a pivotal moment, as Manila began a publicity blitz to highlight the intensifying territorial dispute in the South China Sea, where the ramming of ships, use of water cannons and ensuing diplomatic protests have sharply raised tensions.

"It was a turning point and the birth of the transparency policy," National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, who attended the meeting and recounted the exchange, told Reuters. "The goal was to eventually impose severe costs to Beijing's reputation, image and standing."

FILE PHOTO: U.S. soldiers participate in a live fire exercise during the annual joint military exercises between U.S. and Philippines called "Balikatan" or shoulder-to-shoulder, at Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, May 6, 2024. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo© Thomson Reuters

Malaya said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr had directed officials to "civilianise and internationalise" the dispute, which they had achieved by using the coast guard and routinely embedding foreign journalists on missions. "This became an important component of building international support for the Philippines, because our audience is also foreign governments," he added.

This account of the Philippines' policy switch and its implications is based on interviews with 20 Philippine and Chinese officials, regional diplomats and analysts. They said publicising China's actions, combined with Manila's deepened military alliance with the U.S., had constrained Beijing's ability to escalate matters at sea but raised the risks of Chinese economic retaliation and U.S. involvement.

The February 2023 meeting occurred days after Marcos granted the U.S. access to four more military bases in the Philippines, rekindling defence ties that had suffered under his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.

"China has few escalatory options left without triggering the U.S.-Philippines mutual defence treaty and risking a military confrontation between Chinese and U.S. forces," said Ian Storey, a security scholar at Singapore's ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute.

Marcos has also pursued a diplomatic offensive, gaining statements of support for the Philippines' position from countries such as Canada, Germany, India and Japan.

The South China Sea is rich in oil and gas. About $3 trillion in trade passes through it annually. U.S. access to Philippine bases could prove important in a war over Taiwan.

China, whose claims to most of the sea were invalidated by an international tribunal in 2016, says Philippine vessels illegally intrude into waters surrounding disputed shoals. It has warned Marcos, who took office in June 2022, against misjudging the situation.

"This is brinkmanship, poker," said Philippine legal scholar Jay Batongbacal. "Brinkmanship is taking things to the edge, trying to see who loses his nerve. Poker is a game of bluffing and deception – one could be doing both at the same time."

In response to Reuters questions, China's foreign ministry said the Philippines had been stoking tensions with "provocative actions at sea in an attempt to infringe on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights".

China, it said, would defend its interests while handling the dispute peacefully through dialogue.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Manila's transparency initiative had succeeded in calling greater attention to China's "disregard for international law" and actions that endangered Philippine service members.

The spokesperson would not comment on the risk of U.S. military involvement but said the U.S. would support the Philippines if it faced economic coercion from China.

'AWAKE AT NIGHT'

The conflict is over Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippine navy maintains a rusting warship, BRP Sierra Madre, that it beached in 1999 to reinforce Manila's sovereignty claims. A small crew is stationed on it.

Chinese ships have sought to block resupply missions, by encircling Philippine vessels and firing water cannons that in March shattered a boat's windshield, injuring its crew. Manila released footage of the incident; China said it acted lawfully and professionally.


In February, Philippine ships recorded Chinese counterparts placing a barrier across the entrance to Scarborough Shoal. This week, both sides traded accusations over a collision involving their vessels near Second Thomas Shoal.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela taunts Chinese officials and state media on X, sometimes posting drone footage of maritime clashes. "If I were doing anything incorrect, I would have been shut down," he said.

Tarriela said the transparency drive had worked, by galvanising support for Manila while the threshold of China's aggression had not changed, despite an increase in incidents.

"They are still depending on their water cannon ... they are still stuck with that kind of tactic," he said.

The number of Chinese vessels around Second Thomas Shoal during Philippine resupply missions has grown from a single ship on average in 2021 to around 14 in 2023, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in January.

Last month, China's coast guard came within metres of the Sierra Madre and seized supplies air-dropped to troops stationed there, according to Philippine officials. China, whose navy patrolled nearby, said Filipino soldiers pointed guns at its coast guard; Manila said they just held their weapons.

Philippine officials say they fear a fatal accident could escalate into open hostilities.

"That keeps a lot of us awake at night," the Philippines' ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez, told Reuters.

Manila also wants to avoid the kind of economic pressure it faced around a decade ago, when protracted Chinese customs checks caused Philippine bananas to rot on Chinese docks.

China was the Philippines' second-biggest export market in 2023, taking nearly $11 billion worth or 14.8% of all its shipments. China is the Philippines' top source of imports, mainly refined petroleum products and electronics.

Romualdez said Manila hoped China would "see the value of continuing our economic activity while trying to peacefully resolve the issue".

Edcel John Ibarra, a political scientist at the University of the Philippines, said Marcos risks provoking China into "a harder approach", such as non-tariff barriers and tourism restrictions. He pointed to changes China announced in May that allow its coast guard to detain foreigners without trial for 60 days.

'PARADIGM SHIFT'

The intensity of Manila's campaign has surprised its neighbours. Vietnam and Malaysia, which also have maritime disputes with Beijing, have been more cautious about what they release from their skirmishes with China.

"We are all watching this and talking amongst ourselves," said one Asian diplomat, who was not authorised to be named. "The Philippines has carved out a new strategy in standing up to Beijing over a point of friction."

Marcos said in December that diplomacy with China had achieved little, calling on Southeast Asia "to come up with a paradigm shift".

China's state media have expressed irritation with the transparency push.

The Philippines has been "playing the victim to deceive international public opinions", the state-backed Global Times said in an op-ed in May.

A key aspect of Manila's approach has been solidifying the U.S. alliance. Both countries made clear in May last year that their defence treaty also covers the coast guard. In April, Marcos participated in an unprecedented summit with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts.

A U.S. official involved in U.S.-China talks that month said Chinese officials have complained about these diplomatic breakthroughs behind closed doors, adding that Beijing was "feeling the squeeze".

Some Chinese scholars, like Zha Daojiong, at Peking University's School of International Studies, say the situation is at an impasse and that China will continue to be "essentially reactive" at flashpoints like Second Thomas Shoal.

"By responding to the Philippines' action, I guess they want to keep the message that this shoal is in dispute," he said.

(This story has been refiled to correct the name of institute in paragraph 10)

(Additional reporting by Laurie Chen, Simon Lewis and Mikhail Flores; editing by Antoni Slodkowski and David Crawshaw)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/in-south-china-sea-dispute-philippines-bolder-hand-tests-beijing/ar-BB1otSWK?item=flightsprg-tipsubsc-v1a?season/

Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea

Posted to MSN (Jun 20, 2024): Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea (By JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press)

In this handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chinese Coast Guard hold knives and machetes as they approach Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)© Provided by The Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damages in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea.

Chinese personnel on board more than eight motorboats repeatedly rammed then boarded the two Philippine navy inflatable boats Monday to prevent Filipino navy personnel from transferring food and other supplies including firearms to a Philippine territorial outpost in Second Thomas Shoal, which is also claimed by Beijing, according to Philippine officials.

This handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines shows the windshield, communications and navigational equipment on a Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat allegedly destroyed by the Chinese Coast Guard to prevent Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)© Provided by The Associated Press

After a scuffle and repeated collisions, the Chinese seized the boats and damaged them with machetes, knives and hammers. They also seized eight M4 rifles, which were packed in cases, navigation equipment and other supplies and wounded a number of Filipino navy personnel, including one who lost his right thumb, two Philippine security officials told The Associated on Tuesday.

In this handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chinese Coast Guards hold an axe as they approach Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)© Provided by The Associated Press

The two officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to discuss the sensitive conflict publicly.

Video and photographs issued by the Philippine military Wednesday night show the chaotic faceoff at the shoal, with Chinese personnel onboard boats brandishing knives, axe and sticks while surrounding two Philippine navy supply boats beside Manila's ship outpost. Sirens blare constantly as both sides yell at each other and the Chinese smash the Philippine navy boat with a pole and grab what appears to be a bag with a stick.

Pictures show a damaged Philippine navy boat with its side floaters slashed and deflated and another boat with its windshields and navigational screens shattered. A man displays a damaged cellphone.

"We are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment and we’re also demanding that they pay for the damage they caused,” Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., head of the Philippine armed forces, said in a news conference in western Palawan province, where he pinned a medal on the wounded navy officer.

“They boarded our boats illegally and seized our equipment,” Brawner said. “They’re now like pirates with this kind of actions.”

Armed with long knives and machetes, the Chinese coast guard personnel tried to beat the unarmed Filipinos, who resisted with their bare hands by parrying the blows and pushing back the Chinese, Brawner said. “Our objective is also to prevent war.”

Some of the Chinese pointed their knives at the Filipino navy personnel, he said.

China blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying the Filipino personnel “trespassed” into the shoal in defiance of its warnings.

“This is the direct cause of the incident,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in Beijing. “The Chinese coast guard at the scene has taken professional law-enforcement measures with restraint aimed at stopping the illegal supply mission by the Philippine vessels and no direct measures were taken against the Philippine personnel.”

This handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines shows communications and navigational equipment on a Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, allegedly destroyed by the Chinese Coast Guard to prevent Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)© Provided by The Associated Press

The United States renewed a warning Tuesday that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, a treaty ally.

Second Thomas Shoal, part of the disputed Spratly Islands, has been occupied by a small Philippine navy contingent aboard a grounded warship that has been closely monitored by China’s coast guard and navy in a yearslong territorial standoff. China claims the South China Sea virtually in its entirety.

This handout photo provided by Armed Forces of the Philippines shows a Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, allegedly destroyed by the Chinese Coast Guard to prevent Philippine troops on a resupply mission in the Second Thomas Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China return several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)© Provided by The Associated Press

There is fear that disputes in the South China Sea, long regarded as an Asian flashpoint, could escalate and pit the United States and China in a larger conflict. Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have conflicting territorial claims in the busy waterway.

Since last year, hostilities between China and the Philippines have escalated in the disputed waters, particularly in Second Thomas Shoal, which is less than 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from the Philippine coast and where the BRP Sierra Madre, now encrusted with rust, was deliberately grounded in 1999 to create a territorial outpost. The ship remains an actively commissioned military vessel, meaning an attack on it could be considered by the Philippines as an act of war.

Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea

FILE - A dilapidated but still active Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre sits at the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on Aug. 22, 2023. The United States renewed a warning Tuesday, June 18, 2024 that it’s obligated to defend its close treaty ally a day after Filipino navy personnel were injured and their supply boats damaged in one of the most serious confrontations between the Philippines and China in a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, officials said. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)© Provided by The Associated Press

FILE - In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese coast guard ship uses water canons on a Philippine Coast Guard ship near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, South China Sea as they blocked it's path during a re-supply mission on Aug. 5, 2023. The Philippine military chief demanded Wednesday that China returns several rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in a disputed shoal and pay for damage it caused to two navy rubber boats in an assault he likened to an act of piracy in the South China Sea.. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)© Provided by The Associated Press

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/philippines-demands-china-return-rifles-and-pay-for-boat-damage-after-hostilities-in-disputed-sea/ar-BB1oxBCG

Chinese sailors wield sticks, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines

Posted to the Digital Journal (Jun 20, 2024): Chinese sailors wield sticks, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines (By AFP)

Video from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office shows China coast guard personnel appearing to wield weapons during an incident off Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea - Copyright ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES-PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE/AFP Handout

Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing weapons including sticks, knives and an axe clashed with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed.

The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, Manila said.

Fresh footage of the confrontation released late Wednesday by the Philippine military showed small boats crewed by Chinese sailors shouting, waving knives and using sticks to hit an inflatable boat as a siren blares.

The Philippines military said the axe-wielding sailor had “threatened to injure” a Filipino soldier, while others were “explicitly threatening to harm” Filipino troops.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the incident, which saw the Chinese coast guard confiscate or destroy Philippine equipment including guns, according to the Philippine military.

Manila’s footage of the clash stands in stark contrast to photos released by Beijing’s state media on Wednesday, which did not show Chinese forces wielding weapons.

Beijing has insisted that its coast guard behaved in a “professional and restrained” way during the confrontation and claimed “no direct measures” were taken against Filipino personnel.

But in a clip shared by Manila, a Chinese sailor standing on the deck of one of the boats can be clearly seen waving an axe.

Another clip shows a Chinese coast guard sailor violently striking the inflatable boat with a stick. A second man can also be seen stabbing the boat with a knife.

“The (Chinese coast guard) personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel,” Manila said.

“They also slashed the (inflatable boats), rendering them inoperable.”

The Filipino sailors, clad in brown camouflage with helmets and vests, are not carrying weapons in the clips.

“Amidst this violent confrontation, the CCG (Chinese coast guard) also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion, while continuously blaring sirens to further disrupt communication,” the caption said.

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner said Wednesday the outnumbered Filipino crew had been unarmed and had fought with their “bare hands”.

In one clip, a voice speaking Tagalog can be heard saying someone had “lost a finger”.

Manila has accused Beijing of an “act of piracy” against its forces.

It has demanded the return of items “looted” by the Chinese side, including seven guns, and reparations for the damaged equipment.   burs-cgm/oho/tym

https://www.digitaljournal.com/world/chinese-sailors-wield-sticks-axe-in-disputed-sea-clash-with-philippines/article

INQToday: AFP releases videos of CCG harassment during Ayungin resupply mission

Posted to the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 20, 2024): INQToday: AFP releases videos of CCG harassment during Ayungin resupply mission

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

New details on CCG’s actions in Ayungin: Tear gas, rocks thrown vs PH navy

China Coast Guard (CCG) threw tear gas, hurled rocks, and used blinding strobe lights against Philippine navy personnel during Monday’s resupply mission for a grounded naval outpost in the West Philippine Sea.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) revealed these additional details late Wednesday night as it released for the first time several footages showing the ordeal of the two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) used to resupply BRP Sierra Madre grounded in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

AFP chief: China Coast Guard used bolos, acted like pirates

They came onboard wielding bolos, knives and spears, acting like “pirates.”

This was how the Armed Forces of the Philippines described in more detail the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) latest actions against Filipino troops at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, a close-quarter confrontation that resulted in injuries, confiscations and equipment damage, and triggered fresh condemnation from Manila and its international allies.

China’s actions in West Philippine Sea undermine regional peace – Blinken

The recent aggressive actions of China in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea “undermine regional peace and stability,” said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

According to the US Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday, Blinken, during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Sec. Enrique Manolo, also reiterated the US’ “ironclad commitments” to the country under its mutual defense treaty.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1953208/inqtoday-new-details-on-ccgs-actions-in-ayungin-tear-gas-rocks-thrown-vs-ph-navy

6th ID’s new multi-million Peace Museum opened to public

From the Philippine Star (Jun 19, 2024): 6th ID’s new multi-million Peace Museum opened to public (By John Unson)

Officials together launched on June 19, 2024 the newly-constructed P4.2 million worth 6th Infantry Division Peace Museum in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY — Officials launched on Wednesday a Peace Museum in the Army’s Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, showcasing relics and mementos depicting the sacrifices of soldiers in fostering peace in once hostile areas in Central Mindanao.

The construction of the 162-square-meter building near the entrance gate of Camp Siongco, where the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division is located, was bankrolled by the office of Susana Salvador Anayatin, a member of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament.

Anayatin served as the chairperson of the now defunct Multi-Sector Advisory Board of 6th ID for around eight years. The board is touted as the most battle-hardened Army division in the country.

Her office spent P4.2 million for the project, drawn from its Transitional Development Impact Fund.

“We are grateful to Bangsamoro Parliament Member Anayatin for having embarked on this project. This shall be a show window of how our units had struggled to foster peace for sustainable development to spread around the division’s area of responsibility,” Major Gen. Alex Rillera, 6th ID’s commander, said.

Anayatin, Rillera, Presidential Assistant David Diciano of the Office for Bangsamoro Transformation under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Army Brig. Gen. Taharudin Ampatuan representing the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and Gov. Abdulrauf Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte together led the symbolic inauguration of the 6th ID Peace Museum.

Officials of the Ministry of Public Works-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, commanders of different brigades under 6th ID and Muslim and Christian religious leaders were also present in the event.

Units of 6th ID, now covering the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte and parts of Lanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro region, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani in Region 12, lost 483 personnel, among them officers, in fierce gunfights with the Moro National Liberation Front and subsequently, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, from 1980 to 2010.

The MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have separate peace compacts with Malacañang and are presently overseeing together the operation of the BARMM regional government that has jurisdiction over six southern provinces.

https://qa.philstar.com/nation/2024/06/19/2364017/6th-ids-new-multi-million-peace-museum-opened-public

2 more areas in Basilan declared Abu Sayyaf-free

From GMA News Online (Jun19, 2024): 2 more areas in Basilan declared Abu Sayyaf-free (By Alwen Saliring)


Photo via Cpl Tabamo/101st Infantry Brigade

Two more areas in Basilan have been declared free of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

These are Akbar town and Lamitan City. The government also declared Akbar as being free of rido (clan feud).

In Akbar, nine surrendered loose firearms, including carbines, grenade launchers, and rifles, were presented. A peace marker was also unveiled while white doves and balloons were released, which represent peace and hope.

“The declaration of Akbar as both ASG-free and rido-free marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of lasting peace. Our collective efforts have made this possible, and together, we will continue to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Basilenos,” 101st Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, said.

The military said the declaration of Akbar as ASG-free is part of the Brigade’s campaign to address sources of conflict in the province, including the resolution of clan feuds and the promotion of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program, which aims to address the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region.

Meanwhile, at least 46 loose guns were also presented in Lamitan City and a signing of commitment was conducted to uphold the city’s ASG-free status.

“The declaration of Lamitan City as ASG-free is a testament to our unified efforts. We have faced numerous challenges, but our collective resolve has brought us to this day. We are committed to continuing our mission to ensure peace and security in this city,” Luzon said.

However, several hours after the declaration, an improvised explosive device exploded at a gasoline station, which wounded a boy who was passing by the area.

Authorities are already investigating the incident.

The town of Lantawan was the first municipality in the province to be declared ASG-free by the Western Mindanao Command on June 5, 2024.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/102498/2-more-areas-in-basilan-declared-abu-sayyaffree/story/

NTF-ELCAC: Preventing NPA Remnants' Recovery of Former Mass Bases

Posted to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Facebook Page (Jun19, 2024): Preventing NPA Remnants' Recovery of Former Mass Bases

Salute to our brave state forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) for their sacrifices in protecting and defending our communities in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) from any attempt of infiltration and recovery by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

#LigtasSaDahas
#SeguridadLabanSaTerorismo
#ItakwilAngKarahasan
https://www.manilatimes.net/.../army-steps-up.../195180

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=819679380264176&set=a.199097248989062

https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/

NFWM gets missile-equipped patrol gunboat

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 19, 2024): NFWM gets missile-equipped patrol gunboat

ZAMBOANGA. The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) receives a state-of-the-art patrol gunboat, boosting the maritime security in Western Mindanao. A photo handout shows the patrol gunboat, BRP-Laurence Narag (PG-907), that arrived at Majini pier of Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, June 18. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) has received a state-of-the-art patrol gunboat boosting maritime security in Western Mindanao, the NFWM said Wednesday, June 19.

The patrol gunboat, BRP-Laurence Narag (PG-907) is the latest asset to join the Philippine Navy’s fleet.

In his address during the arrival of the PG-907 at the NFWM’s Majini Pier on Tuesday, June 18, Captain Hilarion Cesista, NFWM deputy commander for fleet operations, emphasized the strategic importance of BRP-Laurence Narag in enhancing maritime security in Western Mindanao.

“With the arrival of PG-907, she will significantly improve the capability of our naval forces in terms of external defense operation (EDO), internal defense operation and other maritime operations particularly securing the sealines of communication (SLOC),” Cesista said.

Cesista represented Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamilila, NFWM commander, during the ceremony welcoming the arrival of PG-907.

BRP-Laurence Narag is a part of the Acero-Class Shaldag Mk V Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAIC) series, which features the Spike NLOS (non-line of sight) missile systems.

These 32-meter vessels are designed for high-speed operations and precision strikes, significantly boosting the Navy's operational capabilities.

The BRP-Laurence Narag, along with the BRP-Herminigildo Yurong (PG-906), was commissioned on May 21, 2024, at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

These vessels are named in honor of the late Marine Staff Sergeant Herminigildo Yurong and Marine Corporal Laurence Narag, both Medal of Valor awardees who sacrificed their lives during the Philippine government's campaign against Moro rebels in Mindanao in 2000. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/nfwm-gets-missile-equipped-patrol-gunboat

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Military and police raid KMP peasant leader's house in Bulacan

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (in Tagalog) propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jun 19, 2024): Military and police raid KMP peasant leader's house in Bulacan

 

This article is available in Pilipino

June 19, 2024

Police and 80th IB soldiers raided and ransacked the house of Ronnie Manalo, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) general secretary and Tanggol Magsasaka spokesperson, in Barangay San Roque, San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan yesterday morning, June 18. State forces forcibly entered Manalo’s house despite having no one inside it. Military and police falsely claim finding an M16 rifle, a shotgun, grenades, laptops, and subversive documents.

Peasant groups and human rights defenders condemned the illegal raid by soldiers and police on Manalo’s house. They said the police only planted the evidence of weapons and equipment obtained from the house.

Prior to this, Manalo was a victim of state forces’ relentless Red-tagging, threats and intimidation because of his opposition to the Aranetas’ landgrab in their area. In 2022, Manalo’s family was “invited” for a “dialogue” at the barangay hall. Manalo is also among the group of farmers who were shot by thugs of Araneta Properties Inc. during a langgrab in Sitio Ricafort, Barangay Tungkong Mangga.

As the raid was being carried out, nearly 100 combined forces of soldiers and police poured into Barangay San Roque, Barangay Paradise 3, and Barangay Tungkong Mangga. They terrorized the farming communities and disrupted the peace and the residents’ livelihood.

Since 2018, many barangays in San Jose del Monte City have been militarized. Soldiers remained encamped in community centers as part of the so-called Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program. Under this program, soldiers forcefully carried out “clearing” the names of barangay and municipality residents for cases they have nothing to do with. In 2022, Cecilia Rapiz, leader of the Alliance of Farmers in Bulacan (AMB), was among the victims of state harassment.

In the new case of human rights violations and the raid on Manalo’s house, KMP leaders, human rights defenders and ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro immediately went to the office of the local government of San Jose del Monte to hold a dialogue with the mayor of the city.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/military-and-police-raid-kmp-peasant-leaders-house-in-bulacan/

Chinese forces used bladed weapons in latest attack against Philippine resupply mission – Brawner

From Palawan News (Jun 19, 2024): Chinese forces used bladed weapons in latest attack against Philippine resupply mission – Brawner (By Gerald Ticke)

Sn1 Jeffrey Facundo, whose right thumb was cut when the Chinese Coast Guard rammed the rigid-hulled inflatable boat he was aboard during the resupply mission last Monday, was awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner at the Artemio Ricarte Station Hospital. (PN photo)

Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) forces were armed with bolos, knives, and spears when they attacked the Filipino troops conducting a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to BRP Sierra Madre on Monday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner said.

Brawner said that the Chinese also used bladed weapons to puncture the rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) of the Philippine Navy and destroy their communication and navigational equipment.

He said that what the Chinese did was piracy because they boarded the Philippine resupply boats illegally, threatened the Filipino soldiers with bladed weapons, and used them to damage the equipment.

“This is the first time na nakitaan natin yung CCG na nagdala ng bolo, sibat at mga kutsilyo,” Brawner said in a press conference at the Western Command on Wednesday.


During the confrontation, he said the troops maintained their composure and tried to defend themselves with their bare hands.

“Yung tropa natin ay walang dalang ganun. Yung baril na dala nila were disassembled and naka-gun case because we were transporting them to the LS-57. So wala tayong dalang bladed weapons or whatever,” he said, adding that the Filipino soldiers pushed back the Chinese RHIBs.

“Despite the absence of weapons or certain items to defend themselves, they still fought back. But then again, may limitations po tayo. Number one, we were outnumbered. What happened was kinuyog nila and inipit yung RHIB natin dahil mas marami silang dineploy,” he added.

He further stated that the injured personnel, whose right thumb was mutilated, was at the front part of the RHIB when they were rammed by the CCG, and that when the collision happened, he was holding onto the edge where his hand got hit.

Meanwhile, Wescom chief Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres confirmed that the Chinese “looted” seven firearms from the troops aside from destroying the communication equipment, the outboard motor, and other navigational equipment.

“They even took the personal cellphones of our personnel,” Torres said.

“So our action now is that we are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment and we are also demanding them to pay the damages dahil hindi tayo papayag na sisirain lang nila and kunin ang ating kagamitan,” Brawner said.

He said that Monday’s RORE was done to test and improve the operational design for the mission.

“The latest operational design that we implemented was the use of other assets that would be different from the traditional RORE that were conducted previously with the use of the Unaiza Mae,” Torres explained.

https://palawan-news.com/chinese-forces-used-bladed-weapons-in-latest-attack-against-philippine-resupply-mission-brawner/

Shared commitment & collaboration create sustainable impact in Rizal, Palawan

From Palawan News (Jun 19, 2024): Shared commitment & collaboration create sustainable impact in Rizal, Palawan



Tucked in the verdant jungles and scenic coastline of Rizal, southern Palawan, is a community that possesses a strong and enduring character. However, underlying the aesthetic appeal hides an undisclosed struggle.

A significant number of individuals, especially those residing in indigenous communities, encounter difficulties in obtaining necessary healthcare treatments as a result of geographical remoteness and budgetary limitations. The purpose of “MISSIÓN from the Heart,” a two-day community service event organized on June 5-6, 2024, was to bridge the gap and provide hope to the community.

Organized by Lionheart Farms, a company dedicated to sustainable and organic coconut flower sap-based products, MISSIÓN from the Heart embodied the spirit of “Serbisyong may Puso at Kalinga para sa Malusog na Pamayanan” (Service with Heart and Care for a Healthy Community). The event aimed to address the immediate healthcare needs of the community while fostering a sense of shared well-being.

A Collaboration Built on Shared Goals

MISSIÓN from the Heart wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of a collaborative effort. Lionheart Farms, known for its commitment to community development, spearheaded the initiative. However, the success hinged on the invaluable contributions of several partners:




Western Command, AFP

Led by Rear Admiral Alfonso F Torres Jr PN, the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines played a vital role in this shared mission by ensuring a safe and secure environment for the event. Moreover, their commitment extended beyond security, with the AFP providing medical personnel, logistical assistance, and coordination with partners, which are crucial for the efficient delivery of the services provided for the target beneficiaries.

Camp Ricarte Station Hospital and Dental Dispensary, Western Command – AFP
Their contribution went beyond the realm of logistics and security. Medical personnel from Camp Ricarte Station Hospital joined the mission, offering invaluable medical expertise. Doctors and nurses conducted health check-ups, offering residents vital diagnostic services and advice. Dentists also conducted free tooth extractions, a service that was proven to be highly in-demand due to the actual cost in clinics. This partnership truly emphasized the spirit of “Bayanihan” (community spirit) within the Western Command and Health Service Center of AFP.

18th Special Forces Company – Riverine

Their expertise proved crucial in transporting essential medical supplies and equipment to the remote barangay of Ransang, Rizal. They also ensured swift and safe transportation for residents coming from other areas in Rizal, Palawan.



408th Community Defense Center 4RCDC

Their officers, reservists, and volunteers played a key role in providing eye check up and additional dental services. Their commitment continued throughout the event, guiding residents through the various stations and facilitating communication between providers and patients.

Volunteers and Sponsors

A group of doctors, reservists, Lionheart Farms and Gabay Kalinga staff, and other stakeholders also contributed to the success of the event through their generous donations, voluntary services, and compassion to help the community.

The Heart of the Mission: Reaching Over 500 Lives

Over the two days, MISSIÓN from the Heart served over 500 residents from Barangay Ransang and surrounding areas. The event brought together a diverse team of medical professionals, men-in-uniform, volunteers, and community leaders, all united in a common goal: improving the lives of residents in Rizal, Palawan.

For the community who shared their time, resources, and passion to be of service to humanity, MISSIÓN from the Heart wasn’t merely a one-time event. It was a continuation of their commitment to the communities they serve. Indeed, their dedication to social responsibility shines through in their commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable well-being.

Gratitude and Continued Commitment

The organizations involved in this community service activity express their deepest gratitude to all the partners involved.

 

“This successful collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and compassion of all the organizations involved,” says Maria Cecilia Chang, vice president of Lionheart Farms. “Heartfelt appreciation to our partners, colleagues, and everyone who helped our MISSIÓN from the Heart touch the lives of more than 500 people with essential services over the two days in Ransang. Seeing the joy and gratitude inspired us deeply; and we are determined to be back soon with more.”

However, “MISSIÓN from the Heart” is not the end of the story. The success of this partnership has earned more organizations wanting to help and support its cause, which strengthens the commitment to explore ways to continue supporting the well-being of residents in Rizal, Palawan, and surrounding areas.

The success of “MISSIÓN from the Heart” serves as a powerful example of how collaboration among stakeholders can significantly impact the lives of Filipinos in underserved communities. Moving forward, the involved organizations are exploring ways to continue working together on initiatives that address pressing community needs.

https://palawan-news.com/shared-commitment-collaboration-create-sustainable-impact-in-rizal-palawan/

‘Brazen aggression’: China used weapons vs Filipino troops in Ayungin resupply

From Rappler (Jun 20, 2024): ‘Brazen aggression’: China used weapons vs Filipino troops in Ayungin resupply (By BEA CUPIN)

AFP videos show the China Coast Guard brandishing knives, ramming ships, and using tear gas against Filipino soldiers. China says the CCG was 'professional and restrained.'

MANILA, Philippines – New videos from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) released just before midnight on Wednesday, June 19, offer a glimpse into the harrowing situation that Filipino soldiers found themselves in on Monday, June 17 – as the subject of the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) violence.

“In a brazen act of aggression, the CCG obstructed the AFP’s critical humanitarian rotation and resupply (RORE) operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal on June 17, employing physical attacks, bladed weapons, blaring sirens, and blinding strobe lights,” said the AFP in a statement accompanying the newly released footage.

 


Five videos – taken by personnel aboard one of two Navy rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) deployed for the mission, soldiers aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, and via aerial surveillance – show the lengths CCG personnel took to stop the RORE mission on June 17.

The videos had been in the possession of the Western Command, which plans and executes resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal. They were presented to AFP chief General Romeo Brawner during his visit to Palawan on June 19.

Other Stories

Chinese coast guard boarded PH ship, seized rifles, punctured boats off Ayungin Shoal, says Brawner

China should return the rifles and pay for the damage its personnel caused, says the military chief

Several videos show CCG personnel branding a pickaxe and knives at Filipino personnel, as another personnel from the CCG hack at the RHIBs with bladed and pointed weapons. China also employed tear gas, sirens, and strobe lights, in a bid to “create chaos, disrupt communication, and divert the attention of AFP troops, exacerbating the hostile and dangerous situation,” according to the AFP.

One video shows how Filipino soldiers – surrounded by tear gas and the chaos of the melee around them – attended to one soldier whose thumb had been cut off when it was caught between the Philippine and Chinese boats.

The CCG continued ramming and harassing the two Philippine RHIBs, even when they were already moored alongside the BRP Sierra Madre.

The CCG eventually separated one of the RHIBs, then sandwiched it between two of their own vessels to drag it away from the BRP Sierra Madre.

“In an act of piracy, CCG personnel proceeded to loot supplies, pilfer equipment, and ultimately destroy the RHIB rendering it immobile,” said the AFP. Among those that the Chinese took were seven disassembled rifles that were meant to replenish the supplies of the BRP Sierra Madre.

All the while, Filipino soldiers – especially those aboard the RHIBs as part of the resupply mission – were without arms. The AFP says Filipino soldiers do not carry weapons during resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal, a flashpoint for tensions between the Philippines and China, in a bid to de-escalate tensions.

It’s also why the Philippines does not use its larger gray ships to bring provisions and rotate troops in Ayungin, unlike for other outposts in the West Philippine Sea.

Brawner commended the soldiers of the AFP, as well as personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard, for acting professionally and keeping their cool amid China’s harassment.

Brawner demanded on Wednesday, too, that China return the equipment it took and pay for the RHIB they damaged.

Ayungin Shoal is a feature that’s located just over 100 nautical miles away from mainland Palawan. It is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, an area that’s also part of the West Philippine Sea.

China claims a huge part of the South China Sea as its own, including Ayungin Shoal. It has ignored the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which affirmed the Philippines’ EEZ.

In a press conference on June 19, Chinese foreign affairs spokesperson Lin Jian insisted that the CCG was “professional and restrained” in stopping the Philippine mission. “China Coast Guard didn’t take direct measures against the Philippine personnel,” Lin said.

China has long taken issue with the Philippines sending construction materials to the BRP Sierra Madre – even if Manila has the right to establish military outposts in its own EEZ.

The June 17 incident is the first between the Philippines and China, after the China Coast Guard’s new “regulation” kicked in on June 15. The rule, which covers an area vaguely referred to as Chinese waters, would allow its coast guard to arrest people deemed as trespassers and keep them detained for 60 days. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-used-weapons-filipino-troops-resupply-mission-ayungin-shoal-june-2024/

US stands with PH amid China’s aggressive actions

From Panay News (Jun 20, 2024): US stands with PH amid China’s aggressive actions (By Adrian Stewart Co)

A fisherman waves the Philippine flag near a “payao” or artificial reef close to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippines Sea to display resistance to Chinese incursions and to show other foreign vessels passing through the area that these waters are part of the country’s exclusive economic zone. FILE PHOTO FROM BIGKIS

MANILA – The United States of America will continue to stand with the Philippines amid heightened tension with China in the contested West Philippines Sea.

Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said China’s recent action of disrupting a Philippine resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal was provocative, reckless, and unnecessary.

“It could lead to something bigger and more violent,” Ryder said in a press conference.

“And so we are going to continue to stand with our Philippine allies. We condemn the escalatory and irresponsible actions by China to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea,” he added.

“And as you’ve heard [Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin] and others say, the Philippines’ rightful, legal maritime claims must be protected,” the Pentagon official further said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said on Tuesday that a Philippine Navy sailor “sustained severe injury” after the China Coast Guard intentionally rammed a Navy rubber boat during a resupply mission to the Sierra Madre on Monday.

Seven other Navy personnel were also injured in the incident, while Chinese personnel also reportedly seized eight high-powered firearms from the Filipino soldiers, while their rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) were also punctured.

For months, China and the Philippines have traded accusations over dangerous maneuvers and collisions at Ayungin Shoal, an atoll in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Several incidents have happened when the Philippines deploys resupply missions for Filipino soldiers living aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, an aging warship there deliberately run aground to protect Manila’s maritime claims.

The Ayungin Shoal, which China calls Ren’ai Reef, is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone and is part of its continental shelf./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/us-stands-with-ph-amid-chinas-aggressive-actions/

Lamitan declared ASG-free hours before gas station bombed for extortion

 From MinaNews (Jun 19, 2024): Lamitan declared ASG-free hours before gas station bombed for extortion (By FRENCIE CARREON)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 19 June)—Hours after Mayor Oric Furigay declared Lamitan City as free from the influence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Tuesday morning, a bomb exploded at a gasoline station in the early evening, which authorities said was a response to a failed extortion attempt.

Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon receives from Gov. Jim Salliman loose firearms turned over by barangay chairpersons affirming Lamiteños’ support in the declaration of an ASG-free Lamitan City. Also in photo are Mayor Roderick Furigay (far left) and Basilan Vice Governor Yusop Alano. Photo courtesy of 101IB

Richard Falcatan, provincial information officer, said in a post on social media that the bombing took place at 6:47 p.m. at Barangay Matibay.

Falcatan said that Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade (101IB), supported the declaration of the city as ASG-Free.

The official announcement declaring Lamitan as ASG-free followed Mayor Roderick Furigay’s state of the city report, which he delivered as highlight in the celebration of the city’s anniversary.

But the bombing of the gasoline station owned by the Mateo family marred the celebration.

Falcatan said that police found during its initial investigation that the owner, Bonjin Mateo, has admitted to having received an extortion letter a month ago. But Mateo reportedly did not name the extortionist.

Quoting police, Falcatan said investigators now have persons of interest behind the bombing after retrieving CCTV footage that captured the suspects on board three motorcycles within the vicinity of the gas station.

Lt. Col. Arlan Delumpines, Lamitan police chief, was quoted as saying that the explosion “partly damaged the cover of a fuel dispenser, and no other casualty except for the boy, who happened to pass by the area when the improvised bomb exploded.”

Police found parts of an improvised explosive device, including a nine-volt battery, blasting caps and powder.

Gov. Jim Salliman, in his speech at the ceremony, said: “Today, we celebrate not just the absence of a threat, but the presence of a hopeful future for Lamitan City. Together, we have shown that peace is possible. And together we will build a future filled with opportunity and prosperity.”

The 101IB said in a press statement that Luzon, during the ceremony, expressed his brigade’s commitment to continue its mission to ensure peace and security in Lamitan.

“The declaration of Lamitan City as ASG-free is a testament to our united efforts. We have faced numerous challenges, but our collective resolve has brought us to this day,” he said in his speech.

Lamitan figured prominently in the news worldwide when on June 2, 2001 the Abu Sayyaf, then led by Abu Suleiman, entered the city tagging along several hostages, including Lamiteña nurse Ediborah Yap, as they took over the Dr. Jose Torres Memorial Hospital and the St. Peter’s Church compound. The incident is known as the Lamitan Siege.

Chairpersons from different barangays of Lamitan City voluntarily turned over 46 loose firearms during the ceremony to manifest the communities’ commitment to work together with government security forces in keeping the peace in Lamitan. (Frencie L. Carreon / MindaNews)

https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2024/06/lamitan-declared-asg-free-hours-before-gas-station-bombed-for-extortion/#gsc.tab=0

EastMinCom denies US troop presence in Davao City

From the Mindanao Times (Jun19, 2024): EastMinCom denies US troop presence in Davao City (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) on Wednesday refuted claims by a political commentator regarding the alleged presence of US troops and drone operations near the Davao City airport.

In an interview on Wednesday, June 19, Colonel Ma. Cristina Rosete-Manuel, spokesperson for EastMinCom, said the offices of the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations (U3) and Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Intelligence (U2) have not monitored any such activity.

This comes after a political commentator raised concerns about a supposed influx of American soldiers in Davao City, sparking fears of a potential violation of Philippine sovereignty.

In an interview with SMNI News on Tuesday, a political commentator named EB Jugalbot expressed his alarm over the situation. “This is impunity. This is very disturbing. This is very alarming. And I’m very much frustrated for our countrymen,” he said.

Jugalbot’s concerns stem from the recent arrival of a large number of US soldiers in Davao City, despite the absence of any declared EDCA sites in the area. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is a military agreement between the Philippines and the United States that allows US troops to be stationed in the Philippines for training and joint exercises.

He believes that this increased presence could be linked to the impending ICC [International Criminal Court] warrant against Vice President Sara Duterte, as well as the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is also facing charges in the US.

Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), a religious group based in Davao City. He is facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in the United States.

She is currently facing an investigation by the ICC for her alleged role in the extrajudicial killings that occurred during her father’s administration.

“I would even venture to say this in public, na matamaan na kung sino matamaan dyan,” Jugalbot said. “I would like to connect it to the impending ICC warrant that maybe issued in a matter of time against the sitting Vice President Sara Duterte, FPRRD [Former President Rodrigo Duterte], at kung sino sino pa.”

He further noted that the type of drones being used in Davao City’s airspace, MQ-9 Reaper drones, are highly classified and typically operated by trained personnel. This, he believes, further reinforces the notion of a covert US operation in the city.

“These drones are highly classified at ang mga operators nyan are highly trained and when drones like this are flown you do not assign it to somebody without the proper top secret clearance,” Jugalbot explained.

Jugalbot also pointed out that the US troops seen in Davao City are not ordinary soldiers but rather appear to be part of classified operations units such as Navy SEALs. “These are images of people that I think are US Navy seals, the green beret or US Navy seals are actually the ones who are in charge of these drones,” he said.

He maintains that the presence of these US troops in Davao City is illegal and unconstitutional, as it undermines the sovereignty of the Philippines.

“No it’s not just unlawful it’s unconstitutional it is undermining the sovereignty of the Philippines, this is actually an impeachable offense if you look at the provisions on impeachment this is the betrayal of public trust letting a foreign country run military intelligence operations in your own land, and besides the airport,” Jugalbot stated.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/eastmincom-denies-us-troop-presence-in-davao-city/

DILG awards financial assistance to 10 former rebels in Tarlac

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 19, 2024): DILG awards financial assistance to 10 former rebels in Tarlac (By Gabriela Liana S. Barela)

TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) awarded financial assistance to 10 former rebels in the province of Tarlac.

A total of P300,000 was given to the returnees under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Governor Susan Yap assured the recipients that the government is working hand-in-hand to extend its services not only in the urbanized areas but more importantly in far-flung communities.

”We hope now that you are back, we work together to implement our programs because we have many programs for Indigenous Peoples Communities in our province and may you continue trusting the government,” Yap said.

Christopher Garcia, one of the beneficiaries from Tarlac City, thanked the government for the assistance they received.

”This is a big help to us and to every family member of those who returned to the folds of the government to start our life anew in the mainstream society,” Garcia said.

Meanwhile, DILG also awarded P210,000 to the Army 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion as a partner-receiving unit that facilitated the surrender of the former rebels.

E-CLIP is a program administered by DILG and the Department of National Defense which aims to provide a complete package of assistance to returnees to become productive members of society.

It also seeks to address social healing and national unity toward the higher objective of having just and lasting peace. (CLJD/GLSB, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)


https://www.pia.gov.ph/dilg-awards-financial-assistance-to-10-former-rebels-in-tarlac/

PH, US start 2nd edition of 'Cope Thunder' drills

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2024): PH, US start 2nd edition of 'Cope Thunder' drills (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COPE THUNDER. Philippine Air Force and US Pacific Air Forces personnel pose for a group photo during the opening ceremonies of the second iteration of the Cope Thunder exercise in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Tuesday (June 18, 2024). The Cope Thunder exercise aims to promote interoperability of the armed forces involved in exercises in conducting air and ground operations. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – The second iteration of the Cope Thunder exercises between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and its US counterparts started Tuesday in Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

In a news release Wednesday, PAF spokesperson Ma. Col. Consuelo Castillo said approximately 1,000 PAF personnel participate in subject matter expert exchanges on planning and execution of various military missions, along with their counterparts from the US Pacific Air Forces.

Formally known as Cope Thunder 2024-2, the joint drills will end on June 28.

Castillo said Cope Thunder aims to promote interoperability of the armed forces involved in the exercise in conducting air and ground operations.

"This ensures smooth collaboration and effective response during real-world scenarios," she added.

The Cope Thunder 2024-1 was held last April 8 to 19 and focused mainly on large-force deployment exercises.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227198

Senator wants probe into alleged anti-vax propaganda by US military

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2024): Senator wants probe into alleged anti-vax propaganda by US military (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

Senator Imee Marcos (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Senator Imee Marcos said Wednesday she has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the alleged anti-vaccine propaganda by the United States military during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In Senate Resolution 1052 filed on June 18, Marcos cited an article published by Reuters on June 14, 2024 alleging a deliberate and clandestine anti-vax effort by the US military "to discredit China's Sinovac vaccines as a response to Beijing's efforts to blame the United States for the pandemic."

It was also allegedly designed to counter China's growing influence in the Philippines and other developing countries.

According to the article, the anti-vax campaign by the US military was conducted through fake Internet accounts meant to impersonate Filipinos.

"These reported anti-vax and misinformation campaigns gravely threaten national security issues and public health," she said in a statement.

"There is a need to verify if indeed, the anti-vax and misinformation campaign was orchestrated by the US military, and if in the affirmative, there is a need to determine the ramifications of the actions of the US military, any potential breach of international law by the United States of America, and the possible legal recourse available to the Philippines."

Marcos noted that to combat the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country, the Philippine government launched a vaccination drive using Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine on March 1, 2021.

However, shortly after the rollout of the Sinovac vaccine, numerous posts appeared on various social media platforms, which cast doubt on the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

"These numerous social media posts sowed mistrust against the Sinovac vaccine and other Covid-19 vaccines," she said, noting that the population's mistrust of other vaccines in the early phases of the vaccination roll-out was evidenced by the low vaccination rate.

In June 2021, the Philippines had among the worst inoculation rates in Southeast Asia, with only 2.1 million of its 114 million citizens fully vaccinated – far short of the government's target of 70 million.

During that time, Covid-19 cases exceeded 1.3 million and almost 24,000 Filipinos died of the infectious disease.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227200

DFA denounces latest 'illegal, aggressive' Chinese actions in Ayungin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2024): DFA denounces latest 'illegal, aggressive' Chinese actions in Ayungin (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

BLOCKED. A much larger vessel of the Chinese Coast Guard blocks the path of the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402) during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on June 30, 2023. On June 17, the Chinese rammed a Philippine ship involved in a humanitarian mission to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed in Ayungin Shoal, severely injuring one Navy personnel. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday denounced the “illegal and aggressive actions” of the Chinese near the Ayungin Shoal on June 17, which severely injured a Philippine Navy personnel and damaged Filipino vessels.

In a statement, the DFA expressed "grave concern" over the incident that happened during a humanitarian mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.

Before the incident, the agency lamented the Philippines had been working to “rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation” with China on the South China Sea.

“This cannot be achieved if China’s words do not match their actions on the waters,” according to the DFA statement.

“We expect China to act sincerely and responsibly, and refrain from behavior that puts to risk the safety of personnel and vessels,” the released statement also indicated.

The DFA statement also reiterated the call for China to adhere to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The same also told China to respect the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its own waters.

As of posting, the DFA has yet to provide details on the specific actions it will take over the latest incident.

This year alone, the Philippines has filed at least 30 notes verbales against China’s incursions and activities in the West Philippine Sea.

READ: China has no right to damage PH assets within EEZ: AFP chief

'Deep concern'

Canada and Japan's foreign affairs ministries were the latest international offices that backed Manila in expressing serious concern over the Chinese harassment.

“Canada condemns the dangerous and destabilizing actions taken by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against Philippine vessels on June 17, 2024, near Second Thomas Shoal,” the Global Affairs Canada said in a statement dated June 18.

“The PRC’s use of water cannons, dangerous maneuvers and ramming of Philippine vessels is inconsistent with the PRC’s obligations under international law, including the UNCLOS,” Canadian statement added.

It expressed “deep concern” about the reports of CCG personnel “boarding and towing” Philippine vessels, saying this jeopardizes regional peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“The rules-based order, including the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, is vital and must be maintained. Canada opposes escalatory and coercive actions, including the unilateral declaration of authority over disputed features,” it said.

“Disputes must be resolved through dialogue rather than through force or coercion. We call upon the PRC to comply with its obligations, including implementation of the 2016 UNCLOS arbitral tribunal ruling, which is binding on the parties,” the Canadian statement concluded.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said China’s repeated actions in the South China Sea “increase regional tensions”.

“Japan believes that the issue concerning the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability of the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community, and thus Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea,” it said.

It praised Manila for “having consistently complied” with the 2016 Arbitral Award and for showing “its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.”

“The arbitral award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the UNCLOS, and Japan strongly hopes that the parties’ compliance with the award will lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea,” it added.

Chinese trespass PH’s EEZ

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez denounced China’s new rule, saying it is the Chinese who are trespassing in the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“We should be the ones apprehending and detaining them,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

He said with the recent Ayungin incident, China is escalating tensions in the South China Sea (SCS) and disrupting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Rodriguez said China’s unilateral enforcement of its “illegal” rule allowing its Coast Guard to detain alleged trespassers in areas in the South China Sea it claims as part of its territory, “has no basis in law.”

“It violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling in favor of our country,” he said.

He said the recent incident in which China Coast Guard personnel boarded a Philippine vessel in Ayungin Shoal is obviously part of Beijing’s implementation and enforcement of such rule.

“How could they claim our people are trespassing in that area not far away from Palawan when Ayungin Shoal is inside our 200-mile EEZ?” Rodriguez asked. (Zaldy De Layola/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227213