Philippines Defence Forum
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Hindustani78
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Philippines Marines in southern Philippines
striver44
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PHILIPPINES
Malacañang on China buildup on PH reef: What do you want us to do?
(UPDATED) Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque again downplays continued militarization by China of artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea
https://www.rappler.com/authorprofile/pia-ranada
Pia Ranada
@piaranada
Published 3:05 PM, February 05, 2018
Updated 12:37 AM, February 06, 2018
continued construction on Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef), a reef that belongs to the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
"If the Aquino administration was not able to do anything about these artificial islands, what do they want us to do?" asked Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque during a Palace news briefing.
He was asked what the Philippine government intends to do about the new structures built by China on the reef located in the Spratlys which the Permanent Court of Arbitration, through a landmark ruling, affirmed belongs to the Philippines.
Photos show the reclaimed reef now has a concrete runway, two radomes for radar equipment, two hangars, and a control tower.
Roque said the reclamation of the reefs in the Spratlys began during the administration of Benigno Aquino III and that the government had already known then of China's plan to build military structures on them.
"I think whether or not we like it, they intended to use them as military bases. So, what do you want us to say? All that we could do is to extract a promise from China not to reclaim any new artificial islands," said President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman.
Asked if the Philippines intends to file a diplomatic protest against China, Roque was evasive.
"In the first place, it did not happen overnight. I think the previous administration must have filed also a protest, when it became apparent that they were going to be used as military bases," he said.
Roque insisted that the only red flag for Malacañang is if China creates more artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea.
This despite Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana saying a month ago that even just military buildup on existing artificial islands is a violation of China's promise.
"I know for a fact that the Chinese government said some time ago that they are not going to militarize those reclaimed islands," said Lorenzana last January 8.
"If it is true and we can prove that they have been putting soldiers and weapons, then it will be a violation of what they said," he added.
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Asked to explain the discrepancy between his remarks and that of the defense chief, Roque said he can only speak for Duterte and not for other Cabinet members.
Options outside of war
This is the second time Roque has downplayed new Chinese construction in the West Philippine Sea. In early January, he also said the transformation of Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) into a Chinese air base was not a violation of China's "good faith commitment."
During the Monday briefing, Roque wondered out loud what else the Duterte administration could do in the face of China's continued construction on reclaimed reefs. He even asked reporters present for suggestions since declaring war against China is "impossible."
Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio had previously outlined 5 steps the Duterte administration could take to deter China's activities in the West Philippine Sea without going to war.
One of these steps is to file a diplomatic protest. Another is to send the Philippine Navy to patrol features in the EEZ.
Carpio also said the Philippines could ask for the assistance of the United States, possibly in the form of joint naval patrols. He also advised the government to avoid any act or statement that expressly or impliedly waives Philippine sovereignty to any Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea. (READ: Why Justice Carpio wants China to read his e-book)
Asked about Carpio's criticism of the Duterte administration's decision to trust China's word on its activities in the West Philippine Sea, Roque said it would be better for Carpio to write a relevant court decision or to run for a post in government.
"He could run [for] an elective, legislative position if he wants to make policy for government," said Roque. – Rappler.com
Dai Toruko
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Duterte is making a backdoor deal with China. When the people figure out what is going on, China will have more control of the South China Sea, the Philippines will lose whatever China promised them, and will be under Chinese jurisdiction. Duterte is the Donald Trump of the Philippines. He has absolutely no idea about foreign policy, the detrimental repercussions, what he's doing, how to do it, and who to do it with. In his campaign, he claimed he would ride out to the islands himself to plant a Philippine flag to show China whose it is. Now, he backdoors his people, joins China, hands the islands to them on a silver platter, all while dancing a jig.
TaiShang
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China is Philippines' largest source of imports in February: report
Xinhua | Updated: 2018-04-11
MANILA - China was the Philippines' largest source of imports in February, comprising 19.9 percent share of the total import for the month, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.
In a report, the PSA said import bills from the top 10 countries for imports for February amounted to $6.08 billion or 78.7 percent share of the total.
"China was the country's biggest source of imports with 19.9 percent share in February 2018. Import payments to this country stood at $1.54 billion, posting an increment of 57.7 percent from $977.17 million in February 2017," the PSA said.
Xinhua | Updated: 2018-04-11
MANILA - China was the Philippines' largest source of imports in February, comprising 19.9 percent share of the total import for the month, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.
In a report, the PSA said import bills from the top 10 countries for imports for February amounted to $6.08 billion or 78.7 percent share of the total.
"China was the country's biggest source of imports with 19.9 percent share in February 2018. Import payments to this country stood at $1.54 billion, posting an increment of 57.7 percent from $977.17 million in February 2017," the PSA said.
Suika
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Last three of five patrol aircraft donated to the Philippines from Japan.
---start---
CAVITE, Philippines – The Philippine government got 3 more hand-me-down Beechcraft King Air TC-90 planes from Japan on Monday, March 26, completing the expected 5-plane squadron promised by Tokyo.
The transfer was formalized through an elaborate arrival and transfer ceremony at Sangley Point, Cavite City, complete with a water cannon salute when the planes landed.
Present at the event were Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, and Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.
"The activation of the 5 TC-90 aircraft into the service of the Philippine Navy is truly a huge leap in the PN's air capability. The TC-90 is far more superior than our current inventories," Empedrad said in his speech.
How are they superior? The planes are not much for the Japanese as they only used the aircraft to train their pilots before they board bigger, more state-of-the-art patrol planes.
For the ill-equipped Philippine Navy, however, they matter a lot. (READ: Small planes for PH Navy signal Japan's growing security role)
Compared to the Navy's old Islanders, Empedrad said, the TC-90s are "far more superior...in terms of speed, range, longer loiter time capability, superior search, tracking, imaging, and identification."
Planes for free? The planes weren't supposed to be given for free, but the Japanese government decided to give them away after their law had allowed for turning over defense equipment to other nations.
The change in legislation has saved the Philippine government much, as the initial agreement between Manila and Tokyo required the Philippines to pay $28,000 for a 5-year lease.
While few and small, the planes are remarkable for being among the first equipment given away by Japan in the wake of its lifted weapons export ban put in place since World War II.
How will the planes be used? The planes will fly on patrol over the West Philippine Sea, but Defense Secretary Lorenzana noted that the aircraft will take on more missions inside the Philippines for disaster response operations.
---end---
https://www.rappler.com/nation/199002-philippines-navy-patrol-planes-japan-maritime-patrol
China's investments into the Philippines is very little. Chinese media like to post flashy headlines about big projects getting agreement or signed, but in the months following such agreements and signings, often the project bogs down and stalls. The Indonesia high speed rail project with China is an example.
---start---
As far as the economy is concerned, it’s business as usual in the Philippines. This is a significant factor, precisely because since President Rodrigo Duterte’s ascent to power in mid-2016, there have been growing worries about the country’s international isolation and, by extension, economic outlook.
Thanks to the president’s incendiary rhetoric against traditional allies as well as deepening concerns over widespread extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s war on drugs campaign, many observers feared that intemperate leadership and shaky politics would (once again) undermine the country’s newfound economic momentum.
Yet, facts on the ground suggest a more sanguine outlook for the Philippine economy. More interestingly, however, the bulk of investments under Duterte have come from traditional allies, namely the United States, Japan and Europe. Mainland China is yet to make a major dent on the country’s overall investment landscape.
At odds
To be fair, there have been signs of economic tremor. The Philippines’ currency has been in tailspin, reaching its lowest level in more than a decade. It has the dubious distinction of standing as the worst performing currency in all of Asia. The country also posted its highest trade deficit on record, expanding to $3.78 billion in November last year.
It’s an unusual situation for a booming Asian economy in an export-oriented region, where most countries enjoy large trade surpluses as well as significant reservoir of sovereign wealth funds. Credit rating agencies have also been perturbed by the state of rule of law (or its absence) and policy predictability under the Duterte administration. So initial worries weren’t entirely baseless.
Yet, latest data shows that the Southeast Asian country continues to be a favored destination for investors. And the reason is largely structural. Investors are interested in tapping into the vast potentials of a young, vibrant and highly promising labor force.
After more than a decade of sustained macroeconomic reform, beginning in the mid-2000s and reaching its apogee in recent years, the Philippines seems to be on its way to establishing itself as the new darling of international investors.
Last year, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the Philippines reached a record-high of $10 billion. This perfectly tracked with the prescient prognostications of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines.
Never in its recent history has the Southeast Asian country, formerly known as the “sick man of Asia” attracted as much greenfield investments.
In its latest report, The US News & World Report, in partnership with the Y&R’s BAV Group and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, identified the Philippines as “Best Country to Invest In” in 2018. Much of the optimism of the report was based on the assumption that, “country is expected to receive more FDI from within the region from powerhouses like China,” which are intent on optimizing cheaper labor in neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
The money flow
Yet, actual figures show that China is yet to make any major investments in the Philippines, despite repeated announcements about a new “golden age” in bilateral relations. In fact, Chinese investment pledges have been at the heart of Duterte’s pivot away from its traditional allies and increasingly warm relations with Beijing, despite yearlong maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
The bulk of investments last year came from traditional trading partners such as the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands, as well as city-states of Singapore and Hong Kong. No trace of Mainland Chinese investments in key sectors of Philippine economy.
In the first year of Duterte’s administration, Japan and the United States led the way in investments. Japanese investment increased by 23.79%, from an already large base of $490 million (PHP 25.43 billion) in 2016 to $600 million (PHP 31.48 billion) in 2017. American investment was down by 69.62% (a 13-year low), from $530 million (PHP 27.51 billion) in 2016, but still stood at a high $160 million (PHP 8.357 billion).
South Korean investment, however, virtually collapsed, down by 92.61% from a high of $230 million (PHP 11.82 billion) in 2016 to only $16.6 million (PHP 873.15 million) in 2017. In contrast, China investment expanded by 15%, but from a very low base of only $27 million (PHP 1.40 billion) in 2016 to $31 million (PHP 1.61 billion) in 2017. That means countries like Japan out-invested China by a whopping 23:1 ratio.
More on Forbes: Duterte's Ambitious 'Build, Build, Build' Project To Transform The Philippines Could Become His Legacy
In short, the Philippine economy under Duterte, so far, continues to rely on investment from traditional partners, despite all the commotion about the supposed deluge of Chinese investments. In fact, it’s Japanese investors, which are also at the forefront of infrastructure build up in the country, including the Mega-Manila underground metro system project, the country’s first.
It remains to be seen whether coming years will see Mainland China making large-scale investment commensurate to its rhetoric, and expand beyond traditional area of investments such as casinos and extractive industries. One thing is clear, however: The Philippine economy keeps on roaring in spite of its political leadership.
---end---
https://www.forbes.com/sites/richar...tment-boom-but-dont-thank-china/#56a200e9393e
USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Bunker HIll, HMAS Anzac and HMAS Success, and JS Akizuki visit the Philippines at the same time. Balikatan exercise next month.
---start---
MANILA, Philippines – About 300 Filipino government officials, military officers, businessmen, diplomats, and journalists boarded a massive US aircraft carrier in Manila Bay Friday night, April 13, for a reception hosted by US ambassador Sung Kim.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of US Navy Carrier Strike Group 9, arrived in Manila on April 11, the same day China began drills in the South China Sea. The reception aboard the carrier was held only hours after China ended the drills with a large naval parade that Chinese President Xi Jinping himself witnessed.
Two Australian warships and a Japanese destroyer also arrived in nearby Subic Bay for innocent but curiously timed port visits.
US Navy Rear Admiral Stephen Koehler, commander of the Strike Group 9, said it is important to make sure that the "sea is a rightful place for everybody."
"Sailing in the South China Sea continues to be a great opportunity to ensure freedom of commerce and ensure that the sea is a rightful place for everybody. All the navies that we’ve sailed with here, and it’s been plenty, continue to do that," Koehler told Rappler.
Alliance: US, Australia, Japan
The US, Australia, and Japan are allies in fighting for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea – an important trade route – where China insists sovereignty.
The Royal Australian Navy's long range guided missile frigate HMAS Anzac and auxillary oiler replenishment HMAS Success arrived on April 11 for a 5-day goodwill visit.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS AKIZUKI arrived in Subic Bay on April 13 for a 3-day goodwill visit.
The USS Roosevelt is the second US aircraft carrier to visit Manila this year, following USS Carl Vinson last month. It's a testament to the importance of the Philippines to the US, said Kim.
"We are thrilled that USS Roosevelt is visiting the Philippines. I think it's a very clear reflection of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, commitment to the US-Philippine alliance, partnership, friendship and also our commitment to promoting and protecting very important rights, principles and values like freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce, and freedom of flight," Kim told Rappler during the reception.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano, and business tycoon Jaime Zobel de Ayala were among the guests. Representatives of other embassies and foreign military attaches were also present.
Koehler also hosted a small group of Philippine generals aboard the carrier in the South China Sea before arriving in Manila Bay on April 11.
US envoy: I'm pleased with the alliance
The Philippines, located strategically between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is a longtime ally of the US. But geopolitics in the region changed when President Rodrigo Duterte sought warmer ties with China, and for a time threatened to scrap treaties with the US in the wake of criticisms over his brutal campaign against drug use.
The US-Philippines alliance survived and Duterte expressed a liking for US President Donald Trump, a positive development if only for the survival of the ties.
The annual US-Philippines Balikatan war games will be held next month. Australia and Japan will also participate.
The US and Australia have visiting forces agreements with the Philippines, a treaty also previously contemplated with Japan.
"I’m very pleased with the state of our alliance in general," said Kim. Our exercises are continuing. Planning for Balikatan this year has been well underway for many months now. I expect that it will be a very productive exercise this year as it was last year," said Kim. (READ: How are US-PH ties under the Duterte? 'Terrific,' says envoy)
Personnel of the USS Theodore Roosevelt will participate in cultural exchanges and community relations. The US embassy said the carrier, after departing Manila, will continue on its deployment to the Western Pacific.
The Australian and Japan navies will hold various engagements with the Philippine Navy.
---end---
https://www.rappler.com/nation/200212-united-states-allies-show-force-south-china-sea
---start---
CAVITE, Philippines – The Philippine government got 3 more hand-me-down Beechcraft King Air TC-90 planes from Japan on Monday, March 26, completing the expected 5-plane squadron promised by Tokyo.
The transfer was formalized through an elaborate arrival and transfer ceremony at Sangley Point, Cavite City, complete with a water cannon salute when the planes landed.
Present at the event were Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, and Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.
"The activation of the 5 TC-90 aircraft into the service of the Philippine Navy is truly a huge leap in the PN's air capability. The TC-90 is far more superior than our current inventories," Empedrad said in his speech.
How are they superior? The planes are not much for the Japanese as they only used the aircraft to train their pilots before they board bigger, more state-of-the-art patrol planes.
For the ill-equipped Philippine Navy, however, they matter a lot. (READ: Small planes for PH Navy signal Japan's growing security role)
Compared to the Navy's old Islanders, Empedrad said, the TC-90s are "far more superior...in terms of speed, range, longer loiter time capability, superior search, tracking, imaging, and identification."
Planes for free? The planes weren't supposed to be given for free, but the Japanese government decided to give them away after their law had allowed for turning over defense equipment to other nations.
The change in legislation has saved the Philippine government much, as the initial agreement between Manila and Tokyo required the Philippines to pay $28,000 for a 5-year lease.
While few and small, the planes are remarkable for being among the first equipment given away by Japan in the wake of its lifted weapons export ban put in place since World War II.
How will the planes be used? The planes will fly on patrol over the West Philippine Sea, but Defense Secretary Lorenzana noted that the aircraft will take on more missions inside the Philippines for disaster response operations.
---end---
https://www.rappler.com/nation/199002-philippines-navy-patrol-planes-japan-maritime-patrol
China's investments into the Philippines is very little. Chinese media like to post flashy headlines about big projects getting agreement or signed, but in the months following such agreements and signings, often the project bogs down and stalls. The Indonesia high speed rail project with China is an example.
---start---
As far as the economy is concerned, it’s business as usual in the Philippines. This is a significant factor, precisely because since President Rodrigo Duterte’s ascent to power in mid-2016, there have been growing worries about the country’s international isolation and, by extension, economic outlook.
Thanks to the president’s incendiary rhetoric against traditional allies as well as deepening concerns over widespread extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s war on drugs campaign, many observers feared that intemperate leadership and shaky politics would (once again) undermine the country’s newfound economic momentum.
Yet, facts on the ground suggest a more sanguine outlook for the Philippine economy. More interestingly, however, the bulk of investments under Duterte have come from traditional allies, namely the United States, Japan and Europe. Mainland China is yet to make a major dent on the country’s overall investment landscape.
At odds
To be fair, there have been signs of economic tremor. The Philippines’ currency has been in tailspin, reaching its lowest level in more than a decade. It has the dubious distinction of standing as the worst performing currency in all of Asia. The country also posted its highest trade deficit on record, expanding to $3.78 billion in November last year.
It’s an unusual situation for a booming Asian economy in an export-oriented region, where most countries enjoy large trade surpluses as well as significant reservoir of sovereign wealth funds. Credit rating agencies have also been perturbed by the state of rule of law (or its absence) and policy predictability under the Duterte administration. So initial worries weren’t entirely baseless.
Yet, latest data shows that the Southeast Asian country continues to be a favored destination for investors. And the reason is largely structural. Investors are interested in tapping into the vast potentials of a young, vibrant and highly promising labor force.
After more than a decade of sustained macroeconomic reform, beginning in the mid-2000s and reaching its apogee in recent years, the Philippines seems to be on its way to establishing itself as the new darling of international investors.
Last year, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the Philippines reached a record-high of $10 billion. This perfectly tracked with the prescient prognostications of the Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) of the Philippines.
Never in its recent history has the Southeast Asian country, formerly known as the “sick man of Asia” attracted as much greenfield investments.
In its latest report, The US News & World Report, in partnership with the Y&R’s BAV Group and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, identified the Philippines as “Best Country to Invest In” in 2018. Much of the optimism of the report was based on the assumption that, “country is expected to receive more FDI from within the region from powerhouses like China,” which are intent on optimizing cheaper labor in neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
The money flow
Yet, actual figures show that China is yet to make any major investments in the Philippines, despite repeated announcements about a new “golden age” in bilateral relations. In fact, Chinese investment pledges have been at the heart of Duterte’s pivot away from its traditional allies and increasingly warm relations with Beijing, despite yearlong maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
The bulk of investments last year came from traditional trading partners such as the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands, as well as city-states of Singapore and Hong Kong. No trace of Mainland Chinese investments in key sectors of Philippine economy.
In the first year of Duterte’s administration, Japan and the United States led the way in investments. Japanese investment increased by 23.79%, from an already large base of $490 million (PHP 25.43 billion) in 2016 to $600 million (PHP 31.48 billion) in 2017. American investment was down by 69.62% (a 13-year low), from $530 million (PHP 27.51 billion) in 2016, but still stood at a high $160 million (PHP 8.357 billion).
South Korean investment, however, virtually collapsed, down by 92.61% from a high of $230 million (PHP 11.82 billion) in 2016 to only $16.6 million (PHP 873.15 million) in 2017. In contrast, China investment expanded by 15%, but from a very low base of only $27 million (PHP 1.40 billion) in 2016 to $31 million (PHP 1.61 billion) in 2017. That means countries like Japan out-invested China by a whopping 23:1 ratio.
More on Forbes: Duterte's Ambitious 'Build, Build, Build' Project To Transform The Philippines Could Become His Legacy
In short, the Philippine economy under Duterte, so far, continues to rely on investment from traditional partners, despite all the commotion about the supposed deluge of Chinese investments. In fact, it’s Japanese investors, which are also at the forefront of infrastructure build up in the country, including the Mega-Manila underground metro system project, the country’s first.
It remains to be seen whether coming years will see Mainland China making large-scale investment commensurate to its rhetoric, and expand beyond traditional area of investments such as casinos and extractive industries. One thing is clear, however: The Philippine economy keeps on roaring in spite of its political leadership.
---end---
https://www.forbes.com/sites/richar...tment-boom-but-dont-thank-china/#56a200e9393e
USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Bunker HIll, HMAS Anzac and HMAS Success, and JS Akizuki visit the Philippines at the same time. Balikatan exercise next month.
---start---
MANILA, Philippines – About 300 Filipino government officials, military officers, businessmen, diplomats, and journalists boarded a massive US aircraft carrier in Manila Bay Friday night, April 13, for a reception hosted by US ambassador Sung Kim.
The USS Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of US Navy Carrier Strike Group 9, arrived in Manila on April 11, the same day China began drills in the South China Sea. The reception aboard the carrier was held only hours after China ended the drills with a large naval parade that Chinese President Xi Jinping himself witnessed.
Two Australian warships and a Japanese destroyer also arrived in nearby Subic Bay for innocent but curiously timed port visits.
US Navy Rear Admiral Stephen Koehler, commander of the Strike Group 9, said it is important to make sure that the "sea is a rightful place for everybody."
"Sailing in the South China Sea continues to be a great opportunity to ensure freedom of commerce and ensure that the sea is a rightful place for everybody. All the navies that we’ve sailed with here, and it’s been plenty, continue to do that," Koehler told Rappler.
Alliance: US, Australia, Japan
The US, Australia, and Japan are allies in fighting for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea – an important trade route – where China insists sovereignty.
The Royal Australian Navy's long range guided missile frigate HMAS Anzac and auxillary oiler replenishment HMAS Success arrived on April 11 for a 5-day goodwill visit.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS AKIZUKI arrived in Subic Bay on April 13 for a 3-day goodwill visit.
The USS Roosevelt is the second US aircraft carrier to visit Manila this year, following USS Carl Vinson last month. It's a testament to the importance of the Philippines to the US, said Kim.
"We are thrilled that USS Roosevelt is visiting the Philippines. I think it's a very clear reflection of our commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, commitment to the US-Philippine alliance, partnership, friendship and also our commitment to promoting and protecting very important rights, principles and values like freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce, and freedom of flight," Kim told Rappler during the reception.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano, and business tycoon Jaime Zobel de Ayala were among the guests. Representatives of other embassies and foreign military attaches were also present.
Koehler also hosted a small group of Philippine generals aboard the carrier in the South China Sea before arriving in Manila Bay on April 11.
US envoy: I'm pleased with the alliance
The Philippines, located strategically between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, is a longtime ally of the US. But geopolitics in the region changed when President Rodrigo Duterte sought warmer ties with China, and for a time threatened to scrap treaties with the US in the wake of criticisms over his brutal campaign against drug use.
The US-Philippines alliance survived and Duterte expressed a liking for US President Donald Trump, a positive development if only for the survival of the ties.
The annual US-Philippines Balikatan war games will be held next month. Australia and Japan will also participate.
The US and Australia have visiting forces agreements with the Philippines, a treaty also previously contemplated with Japan.
"I’m very pleased with the state of our alliance in general," said Kim. Our exercises are continuing. Planning for Balikatan this year has been well underway for many months now. I expect that it will be a very productive exercise this year as it was last year," said Kim. (READ: How are US-PH ties under the Duterte? 'Terrific,' says envoy)
Personnel of the USS Theodore Roosevelt will participate in cultural exchanges and community relations. The US embassy said the carrier, after departing Manila, will continue on its deployment to the Western Pacific.
The Australian and Japan navies will hold various engagements with the Philippine Navy.
---end---
https://www.rappler.com/nation/200212-united-states-allies-show-force-south-china-sea
TaiShang
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China, Philippines smash international drug network
Xinhua, April 12, 2018
BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A drug factory in Batangas province, the Philippines, was busted through joint efforts by Chinese and Philippine police on Thursday after seven months of investigations, according to China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
Police arrested seven suspects, including four Chinese nationals and three Philippine nationals at the drug factory on a farm.
Another four suspects were arrested in east China's Fujian Province.
Half-made methamphetamine, drug-making raw materials and equipment were seized in the joint operation.
Clue to the cross-border drug manufacture and sales case was uncovered last September by Fujian police, who learned that a drug baron was planning to hire Chinese workers to make methamphetamine in the Philippines.
http://www.china.org.cn/china/Off_the_Wire/2018-04/12/content_50870293.htm
Xinhua, April 12, 2018
BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A drug factory in Batangas province, the Philippines, was busted through joint efforts by Chinese and Philippine police on Thursday after seven months of investigations, according to China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS).
Police arrested seven suspects, including four Chinese nationals and three Philippine nationals at the drug factory on a farm.
Another four suspects were arrested in east China's Fujian Province.
Half-made methamphetamine, drug-making raw materials and equipment were seized in the joint operation.
Clue to the cross-border drug manufacture and sales case was uncovered last September by Fujian police, who learned that a drug baron was planning to hire Chinese workers to make methamphetamine in the Philippines.
http://www.china.org.cn/china/Off_the_Wire/2018-04/12/content_50870293.htm
Suika
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JS Osumi visiting the Philippines.
---start---
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessel JS OSUMI (LST-4001), an Osumi-class tank landing ship with approximately 150 officers and crew on board, arrived Wednesday in Manila for a three-day goodwill visit until Saturday, April 28, 2018.
This is the third visit of a JMSDF ship in the country this year. The first one was JS AMAGIRI which arrived last February and the last one was JS AKIZUKI which arrived two weeks ago in Subic.
Landing Platform Dock, JS Osumi was here in the Philippines last 2013 together with extra-regional navies to give assistance in the HADR operation efforts after Typhoon Hainan devastated the country.
Philippine delegates headed by Captain Dennis Rommel G..Quines, representing Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a press briefing and health and security briefing aboard JS Osumi.
Subsequently, Captain Tomonori Kobayashi, the Commander of Landing Ship Division One, JMSDF and Captain Yuji Horikawa, Commanding Officer of JS Osumi (LST 4001), will call on Empedrad.
Like their previous visits, the Japanese navy will engage in a series of confidence-building activities with their PN counterparts such as goodwill games followed by a boodle fight. A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off their port visit on April 28.
Captain Lued L. Lincuna, the Director of the Naval Public Affairs Office, said
the visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two navies.
“It will enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation of the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie,” he said.
---end---
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/26/japanese-landing-ship-in-manila-for-port-visit/
Balikatan exercise 2018 coming up - US, Philippines, Australia, and Japan. UK will come to observe.
---start---
MANILA, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Troops from the Philippines and the United States will kick off next Monday a series of joint military exercises designed to hone their interoperability skills in fighting terrorism, including chemical attack, and disaster response, said a Philippine military officer on Thursday.
"Every year, we are trying to level up the training," Lt. Liezl Vidallon told reporters. For example last year, she said the focus is natural calamity. This year, she said the drills will focus on how to counter man-made calamities like chemical attack.
The U.S. and Philippines will work with regional partner nations throughout the "Balikatan" or "shoulder to shoulder" period.
Multinational forces from the U.S., the Philippines, Australia, and Japan will participate in all major training events this year. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also invited Britain to observe training for the mitigation of post-disaster suffering.
Vidallon said the participants in this year's Balikatan Exercises will be dealing with new tactics, techniques and procedures and lessons learned from last year's joint training.
This year's joint exercises, slated for May 7 to 18, will be conducted in several locations in the Philippine main Luzon island.
Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine multilateral military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
Vidallon did not say how many American and Philippines troops are participating in this year's Balikatan exercises. About 5,400 from both countries took part in Balikatan 2017.
---end---
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-05/03/c_137153801.htm
---start---
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessel JS OSUMI (LST-4001), an Osumi-class tank landing ship with approximately 150 officers and crew on board, arrived Wednesday in Manila for a three-day goodwill visit until Saturday, April 28, 2018.
This is the third visit of a JMSDF ship in the country this year. The first one was JS AMAGIRI which arrived last February and the last one was JS AKIZUKI which arrived two weeks ago in Subic.
Landing Platform Dock, JS Osumi was here in the Philippines last 2013 together with extra-regional navies to give assistance in the HADR operation efforts after Typhoon Hainan devastated the country.
Philippine delegates headed by Captain Dennis Rommel G..Quines, representing Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a press briefing and health and security briefing aboard JS Osumi.
Subsequently, Captain Tomonori Kobayashi, the Commander of Landing Ship Division One, JMSDF and Captain Yuji Horikawa, Commanding Officer of JS Osumi (LST 4001), will call on Empedrad.
Like their previous visits, the Japanese navy will engage in a series of confidence-building activities with their PN counterparts such as goodwill games followed by a boodle fight. A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off their port visit on April 28.
Captain Lued L. Lincuna, the Director of the Naval Public Affairs Office, said
the visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two navies.
“It will enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation of the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie,” he said.
---end---
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/26/japanese-landing-ship-in-manila-for-port-visit/
Balikatan exercise 2018 coming up - US, Philippines, Australia, and Japan. UK will come to observe.
---start---
MANILA, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Troops from the Philippines and the United States will kick off next Monday a series of joint military exercises designed to hone their interoperability skills in fighting terrorism, including chemical attack, and disaster response, said a Philippine military officer on Thursday.
"Every year, we are trying to level up the training," Lt. Liezl Vidallon told reporters. For example last year, she said the focus is natural calamity. This year, she said the drills will focus on how to counter man-made calamities like chemical attack.
The U.S. and Philippines will work with regional partner nations throughout the "Balikatan" or "shoulder to shoulder" period.
Multinational forces from the U.S., the Philippines, Australia, and Japan will participate in all major training events this year. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also invited Britain to observe training for the mitigation of post-disaster suffering.
Vidallon said the participants in this year's Balikatan Exercises will be dealing with new tactics, techniques and procedures and lessons learned from last year's joint training.
This year's joint exercises, slated for May 7 to 18, will be conducted in several locations in the Philippine main Luzon island.
Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine multilateral military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
Vidallon did not say how many American and Philippines troops are participating in this year's Balikatan exercises. About 5,400 from both countries took part in Balikatan 2017.
---end---
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-05/03/c_137153801.htm
TaiShang
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Removal of Manila statue condemned
China Daily, April 30, 2018
The bronze statue honoring comfort women in Manila. [Photo/Xinhua]
Philippine women's rights groups have strongly condemned the removal of the comfort woman statue in Manila, calling it "a desecration of Filipino women's dignity."
The 2.1-meter bronze sculpture, depicting a blindfold, grieving woman in Maria Clara traditional Filipiniana gown and unveiled in December, represents women in the country forced to work as sex slaves in Japanese military brothels during World War II.
"This monument is reminder of the Filipino women who were victims of abuses during the occupation of the Japanese forces from 1942-45. It took a while before they came out into the open to tell their stories," reads the inscription on the monument.
Activists said the statue was quietly removed around 8 pm on Friday, less than five months after it was erected along Roxas Boulevard.
"GABRIELA Alliance of Filipino Women strongly condemns the removal of the comfort woman statue along Roxas Blvd despite opposition from women's rights advocates, historians and other sectors," said Joms Salvador, GABRIELA secretary-general.
Manila City Hall said the statue will be returned once drainage work is completed, but it gave no time frame for the project.
The statue supposedly serves as a reminder to future generations of Japan's atrocities and abuses against Filipino women during World War II, and women's historical victimization in times of wars of aggression, she said.
The erection of the statue has angered Japan. Japan's Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Seiko Noda had expressed regret over the construction of the monument in January.
Last year, Osaka terminated its 60-year sister-city ties with San Francisco to protest a statue commemorating Asian sex slaves that was erected by Asian communities.
The issue of comfort women has provided a dilemma for the Philippines' relations with Tokyo, a major provider of aid and financing to Manila.
It's estimated that at least 200,000 women in their teens across Asia including the Korean Peninsula, China, Indonesia and the Philippines, were forced to work in the wartime military brothels.
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2018-04/30/content_51037538.htm
China Daily, April 30, 2018
The bronze statue honoring comfort women in Manila. [Photo/Xinhua]
Philippine women's rights groups have strongly condemned the removal of the comfort woman statue in Manila, calling it "a desecration of Filipino women's dignity."
The 2.1-meter bronze sculpture, depicting a blindfold, grieving woman in Maria Clara traditional Filipiniana gown and unveiled in December, represents women in the country forced to work as sex slaves in Japanese military brothels during World War II.
"This monument is reminder of the Filipino women who were victims of abuses during the occupation of the Japanese forces from 1942-45. It took a while before they came out into the open to tell their stories," reads the inscription on the monument.
Activists said the statue was quietly removed around 8 pm on Friday, less than five months after it was erected along Roxas Boulevard.
"GABRIELA Alliance of Filipino Women strongly condemns the removal of the comfort woman statue along Roxas Blvd despite opposition from women's rights advocates, historians and other sectors," said Joms Salvador, GABRIELA secretary-general.
Manila City Hall said the statue will be returned once drainage work is completed, but it gave no time frame for the project.
The statue supposedly serves as a reminder to future generations of Japan's atrocities and abuses against Filipino women during World War II, and women's historical victimization in times of wars of aggression, she said.
The erection of the statue has angered Japan. Japan's Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Seiko Noda had expressed regret over the construction of the monument in January.
Last year, Osaka terminated its 60-year sister-city ties with San Francisco to protest a statue commemorating Asian sex slaves that was erected by Asian communities.
The issue of comfort women has provided a dilemma for the Philippines' relations with Tokyo, a major provider of aid and financing to Manila.
It's estimated that at least 200,000 women in their teens across Asia including the Korean Peninsula, China, Indonesia and the Philippines, were forced to work in the wartime military brothels.
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2018-04/30/content_51037538.htm
Suika
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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte stressed on Sunday, April 29, that the controversial comfort woman statue along Roxas Boulevard can be placed "somewhere else," as he claimed it is not his government's policy "to antagonize other nations."
"Whose initiative was it, I really do not know. I didn't even know that it exists. But it has created somehow a bad, you know... You can place it somewhere else," Duterte said in Davao City on Sunday morning, upon his arrival from a regional summit in Singapore.
The statue, along with two others, was removed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Friday evening, April 27. In a statement, the DPWH said this is "to give way" to the improvement of the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk Area, which includes the installation of concrete drainage pipes and footbridges along the thoroughfare.
"If there is what you would call a memorial for injustice committed at one time, it's all right. But do not use... It is not the policy of government to antagonize other nations," added Duterte.
Duterte made this comment even as he repeatedly slams the United States and the European Union over a host of issues. One of these is the 1906 Bud Dajo massacre, which saw American colonial soldiers killing Moros in Sulu.
Duterte said on Sunday, however, that if the comfort woman statue is erected on private property, "fine, we will honor it."
He also maintained that having the statue is part of freedom of expression. Nonetheless, Duterte noted Japan's reparation efforts since the end of World War II.
"Masakit kasi pa na ulit-ulitin mo pa ulit. (It's still painful to keep on repeating it.) And you start to imagine how they were treated badly. But Japan has apologized to the Filipinos. And they have certainly made much more in terms of reparations," he said.
Women's group Gabriela has blasted its removal, calling it "a foul insult on hundreds of Filipina sex slaves victimized under the Japanese occupation."
The issue of "comfort women" remains a sensitive topic for Japan, one of the Philippines' allies. The statue inaugurated in December 2017 drew a complaint from Japan.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/201348-duterte-comfort-woman-statue-roxas-boulevard-removed
"Whose initiative was it, I really do not know. I didn't even know that it exists. But it has created somehow a bad, you know... You can place it somewhere else," Duterte said in Davao City on Sunday morning, upon his arrival from a regional summit in Singapore.
The statue, along with two others, was removed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Friday evening, April 27. In a statement, the DPWH said this is "to give way" to the improvement of the Roxas Boulevard Baywalk Area, which includes the installation of concrete drainage pipes and footbridges along the thoroughfare.
"If there is what you would call a memorial for injustice committed at one time, it's all right. But do not use... It is not the policy of government to antagonize other nations," added Duterte.
Duterte made this comment even as he repeatedly slams the United States and the European Union over a host of issues. One of these is the 1906 Bud Dajo massacre, which saw American colonial soldiers killing Moros in Sulu.
Duterte said on Sunday, however, that if the comfort woman statue is erected on private property, "fine, we will honor it."
He also maintained that having the statue is part of freedom of expression. Nonetheless, Duterte noted Japan's reparation efforts since the end of World War II.
"Masakit kasi pa na ulit-ulitin mo pa ulit. (It's still painful to keep on repeating it.) And you start to imagine how they were treated badly. But Japan has apologized to the Filipinos. And they have certainly made much more in terms of reparations," he said.
Women's group Gabriela has blasted its removal, calling it "a foul insult on hundreds of Filipina sex slaves victimized under the Japanese occupation."
The issue of "comfort women" remains a sensitive topic for Japan, one of the Philippines' allies. The statue inaugurated in December 2017 drew a complaint from Japan.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/201348-duterte-comfort-woman-statue-roxas-boulevard-removed
striver44
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Prof on Duterte’s Benham visit: Inaagaw ang harap ng bahay, sa likod dumepensa
Published May 15, 2018 8:42pm
A maritime security expert on Tuesday questioned the wisdom of President Rodrigo Duterte visiting the Benham Rise to press the country's ownership over the resource-rich undersea plateau east of Luzon.
According to Maki Pulido's report on "24 Oras", Professor Jay Batongbacal said Duterte should have instead visited the Philippine claims in the South China Sea, on the other side of the archipelago.
While the Benham Rise isn't the subject of claims by China, the Chinese have built artificial islands on reefs well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters west of the Philippines.
"Imagine mo ang bahay mo na merong dalawang bakuran, bakuran sa harap at bakuran sa likod," Batongbacal said.
"Meron kang kapit-bahay sinasakop na niya 'yung bakuran sa harap ang ginawa mo dun ka nagpunta sa likod at dun ka nagsabi na dedepensahan mo ang iyong pag-aari," he added.
Duterte promised to visit the Benham Rise, officially named the Philippine Rise, in order to assert the country's sovereign rights over the region. However, Duterte only reached as far as Casiguran Bay.
Duterte has sent a team of scientists who will conduct a month-long research in the region.
The rise, a 13-million hectare undersea plateau off Aurora province, is within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone as recognized by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in 2012.
The area is believed to be rich in gas, minerals and marine life. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News
what do you think about this @Cossack25A1 ??????
Published May 15, 2018 8:42pm
According to Maki Pulido's report on "24 Oras", Professor Jay Batongbacal said Duterte should have instead visited the Philippine claims in the South China Sea, on the other side of the archipelago.
While the Benham Rise isn't the subject of claims by China, the Chinese have built artificial islands on reefs well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the disputed waters west of the Philippines.
"Imagine mo ang bahay mo na merong dalawang bakuran, bakuran sa harap at bakuran sa likod," Batongbacal said.
"Meron kang kapit-bahay sinasakop na niya 'yung bakuran sa harap ang ginawa mo dun ka nagpunta sa likod at dun ka nagsabi na dedepensahan mo ang iyong pag-aari," he added.
Duterte promised to visit the Benham Rise, officially named the Philippine Rise, in order to assert the country's sovereign rights over the region. However, Duterte only reached as far as Casiguran Bay.
Duterte has sent a team of scientists who will conduct a month-long research in the region.
The rise, a 13-million hectare undersea plateau off Aurora province, is within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone as recognized by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in 2012.
The area is believed to be rich in gas, minerals and marine life. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News
what do you think about this @Cossack25A1 ??????
Cossack25A1
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Duterte is unwilling to stand up against CCP.
pr1v4t33r
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The Philippine National Railways (PNR) and PT Industri Kereta Api (PT INKA) join together for a contract signing ceremony for the purchase of four (4) diesel multiple train units and three (3) diesel hydraulic locomotive train sets at the Manila Hotel on May 28, 2018
PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) akan mengekspor produk keretanya ke Filipina senilai US$ 47,5 juta atau sekitar Rp 641,25 miliar. Kontrak tersebut mencakup pembelian empat trainset Diesel Multiple Unit atau Kereta Rel Diesel (KRD) dengan nilai US$ 21,4 juta, serta pembelian tiga lokomotif dan 15 kereta penumpang senilai US$ 26,1 juta.
https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20180528202027-4-16967/inka-ekspor-kereta-rp-641-m-ke-filipina
PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) akan mengekspor produk keretanya ke Filipina senilai US$ 47,5 juta atau sekitar Rp 641,25 miliar. Kontrak tersebut mencakup pembelian empat trainset Diesel Multiple Unit atau Kereta Rel Diesel (KRD) dengan nilai US$ 21,4 juta, serta pembelian tiga lokomotif dan 15 kereta penumpang senilai US$ 26,1 juta.
https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20180528202027-4-16967/inka-ekspor-kereta-rp-641-m-ke-filipina
Cossack25A1
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I wonder if those trains are Narrow gauge as PNR rails are narrow gauge.
skyhigh88
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NR buys seven more trains worth P2.37-B from Indonesia
By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ Philippine Daily Inquirer / 04:52 PM May 29, 2018
Just months after buying two trains, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) again bought from the Indonesian government seven more trains worth P2.37 billion to improve the country’s oldest train system.
Under the two contracts entered into by PNR with Indonesian government-owned company PT Industri Kereta Api (PT Inka), the three diesel hydraulic locomotive (DHL) trains and four diesel multiple unit (DMU) will be delivered to the Philippines between December 2019 to January 2020.
The DHL, with a contract price of P1.306 billion each, has five coaches per set and can carry 1,330 passengers per trip.
The slightly cheaper DMU set, which has a contract price of P1.071 billion each, has a four-car system and can accommodate 1,090 passengers.
The contracts were signed by PNR general manager Junn Magno and PR Inka president Budi Noviantoro, and witnessed by officials of the Department of Transportation led by Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Rini Soemarno, Indonesian minister of state-owned enterprises.
PNR general Manager Junn Magno said the DHLs was the solution to rail service interruptions on rainy season and typhoons, as they can wade flood waters up to 20 inches from top of the rail.
Magno said this was the first time in 40 years that the PNR purchased new trains through its own budget, after receiving a P3.5 billion budget in 2018.
In January, PNR purchased two diesel-electric trains also from PT Inka for P485.3-million./ vvp
Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/995374...ns-worth-p2-37-b-from-indonesia#ixzz5GsexrB9h
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Most of Indonesia's rail tracks are narrow gauges and i'm sure INKA will manufacture trains that will fit PNR's requirements.
I wonder if PNR will use diesel hydraulic locomotive to revive Bicol Express line
Next PH should order LRT trains for MRT 3 from INKA.
By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ Philippine Daily Inquirer / 04:52 PM May 29, 2018
Just months after buying two trains, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) again bought from the Indonesian government seven more trains worth P2.37 billion to improve the country’s oldest train system.
Under the two contracts entered into by PNR with Indonesian government-owned company PT Industri Kereta Api (PT Inka), the three diesel hydraulic locomotive (DHL) trains and four diesel multiple unit (DMU) will be delivered to the Philippines between December 2019 to January 2020.
The DHL, with a contract price of P1.306 billion each, has five coaches per set and can carry 1,330 passengers per trip.
The slightly cheaper DMU set, which has a contract price of P1.071 billion each, has a four-car system and can accommodate 1,090 passengers.
The contracts were signed by PNR general manager Junn Magno and PR Inka president Budi Noviantoro, and witnessed by officials of the Department of Transportation led by Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Rini Soemarno, Indonesian minister of state-owned enterprises.
PNR general Manager Junn Magno said the DHLs was the solution to rail service interruptions on rainy season and typhoons, as they can wade flood waters up to 20 inches from top of the rail.
Magno said this was the first time in 40 years that the PNR purchased new trains through its own budget, after receiving a P3.5 billion budget in 2018.
In January, PNR purchased two diesel-electric trains also from PT Inka for P485.3-million./ vvp
Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/995374...ns-worth-p2-37-b-from-indonesia#ixzz5GsexrB9h
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Most of Indonesia's rail tracks are narrow gauges and i'm sure INKA will manufacture trains that will fit PNR's requirements.
I wonder if PNR will use diesel hydraulic locomotive to revive Bicol Express line
Next PH should order LRT trains for MRT 3 from INKA.
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