By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Following China’s latest aggression against Philippine vessels, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defense pact with Manila.

On Saturday (23 March 2024), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that Chinese vessels yet again used a power water cannon against a civilian vessel chartered to resupply Philippine troops on the BRP Sierra Madre, a World War Two-era ship that was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea to serve as a symbol of the country’s sovereignty.

“The United States stands with its ally the Philippines and condemns the dangerous actions by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) against lawful Philippine maritime operations in the South China Sea on March 23,” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement, also on Saturday shortly after the incident.

He pointed out that the “US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.”

The West Philippine Sea is part of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The AFP earlier posted X (formerly Twitter) that included videos of the incident of the China Coast Guard training a water cannon at the Unaiza May 4, a ship that had previously been damaged by the same while on a similar mission.

Miller described China’s actions as “destabilizing to the region” and showed “clear disregard for international law.”

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Junex Doronio

STRESSING THAT CHINA must abide by international law, the United States Embassy on Saturday expressed its support for the Philippines following another incident of China’s harassment of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros also urged the two “houses” of Congress to immediately pass the proposed higher budget for the agencies safeguarding the country’s security and sovereignty.

“The PRC’s actions are inconsistent with international law and follow a pattern of dangerous operational behavior in the South China Sea,” the US Embassy said in a statement.

On Friday, November 10, the Philippines lodged another diplomatic protest against China after the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) deployed water cannons during a resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal.

“This incident should push Congress to finally approve a higher budget for the intelligence funds for agencies that defend our territories. When our frontliners in the West Philippine Sea become stronger, so will our national security,” Hontiveros said.

The US Embassy also reiterated that the People’s Republic of China had no claim on Ayungin Shoal and must therefore respect all states’ freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law.

(ai/mnm)

MANILA — Following a recent incident where Chinese vessels collided with Filipino ships engaged in a routine resupply mission to the detachment on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the defense leaders of the Philippines and the United States have underscored their dedication to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between their nations.

In a conference call, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III addressed the October 22 incident, particularly highlighting the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) perilous and unlawful maneuvers that jeopardized the safety of Philippine vessels and crew.

Secretary Austin also expressed the United States’ unwavering support for the Philippines in the wake of the incident.

The MDT covers both countries’ public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including the Coast Guard, throughout the Pacific region, including the South China Sea.

Moreover, the two officials pledged to intensify efforts to enhance bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Secretary Austin reiterated his firm commitment to the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Teodoro and Austin commended the existing military collaboration between Manila and Washington, including their recent joint naval exercise off the coast of Palawan, and they committed to expanding the scope and pace of US-Philippines engagements.

They also anticipate an in-person meeting in Jakarta during the forthcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus.

It may be recalled that on Sunday, October 22, Chinese Coat Guard Chinese maritime militia vessels figured anew in a dangerous blocking incident that led to a collision with a Philippine resupply boat near Ayungin Shoal.

Meanwhile, on Friday the Philippine Fleet (PF) announced that its missile frigates, namely BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), alongside a multi-purpose attack craft armed with a Spike-ER (extended range surface-to-surface) missile, successfully engaged in a live-fire gunnery exercise on Thursday.

In an official statement, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles disclosed that these live-fire drills were conducted in the vicinity of Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales, as part of “Exercise Pagbubuklod,” which is scheduled from October 23 to 27.

Badidles further emphasized that live-fire exercises play a vital role in boosting the confidence of sailors, enhancing their understanding, and refining the precise execution of these formidable capabilities.

He remarked, “The successful execution of these significant training activities substantially aligns with the overarching goals of ‘Exercise Pagbubuklod,’ which is to maximize the utilization of assets and equipment, train personnel, and develop tactics and procedures that ensure operational success.”

According to Badidles, this training initiative also seeks to validate the organizational structure, operational concepts, and published doctrines, all while addressing current and prospective scenarios within the operational areas.

‘Balanced manner’

In another presser Friday, Teodoro said the Philippines intends to maintain its activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to safeguard its sovereignty but “these operations will be carried out in a “balanced manner in anticipation of potential increased challenges from China.”

“We are carefully managing our ‘sovereignty operations’ in light of the possibility of more significant incidents that we wish to avoid. Therefore, we are meticulously planning our actions. However, it is evident that we cannot simply withdraw from our maritime territory, Teodoro said.

When asked about the potential for heightened tensions in the WPS, he stated that they are preparing for various scenarios.

Teodoro also stressed that any activities in the WPS, including upcoming resupply missions, will be executed with great care to prevent escalating tensions or conflicts and to protect the nation’s best interests. He made it clear that these efforts would not be undertaken recklessly to avoid any conflicts.

Furthermore, Teodoro reaffirmed the DND’s unwavering commitment to the country’s sovereignty, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stating, “The President’s guidance remains unchanged, and we will remain resolute in upholding our sovereignty.”

(Amigo Ismael/mnm)

Climate change activists initiated a protest march on Friday from Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, and Mendiola in Manila to Liwasang Bonifacio, as they assailed the United States government for its alleged failure to provide enough “Climate Finance.”

The protest came in the wake of United States President Joe Biden’s recent meeting with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum. Biden has accordingly acknowledged the concerns raised by these leaders regarding the devastating impact of climate change on their regions. He reassured them of the United States’ commitment to assisting them in addressing this pressing challenge.

Images show members of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) and various other groups proudly displaying their banners as they marched from Mendiola to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

Image Courtesy of: Reuters

By Junex Doronio

IN THE FACE OF China’s “expansionist threat,” the Philippines, United States and Japan have jointly expressed their commitment to work for a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensure peaceful resolution of disputes.

This was declared by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Saturday in the Philippines) at the Second Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“Our alliance with Japan and the Philippines is a cornerstone of our Indo-Pacific strategy. Together, we are committed to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes, and upholding international law,” Blinken announced.

Hosted by the US, the meeting was attended by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is exploring legal options against China accusing it of destruction of coral reefs within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.

But China flatly dismissed the allegation, saying it was an attempt to “create political drama”. (ai/mnm)