Trident News Philippines

Home
Philippines
Cotabato City
Trident News Philippines

Quality news, where you want it, when you want it.
(1)

22/07/2024

July 22, 2024
Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.

*Statement*

The obviously fake video being circulated emanating from a MAISUG gathering in Los Angeles is again a maliciously crude attempt to destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They will not succeed!

Even the release of the contrived video in the USA is a cowardly attempt to escape Philippine criminal jurisdiction.

We urge the proper US authorities to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of this disgusting act.
From DND PIO

18/07/2024

Philippine-US Coast Guards conduct a joint passing exercise off Lubang Island

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a Joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the vicinity waters off Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, yesterday, 16 July 2024.

PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, said PCG's BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and USCG Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) participated in the PASSEX that focused on simulating Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, firefighting scenarios, communication exercises (COMEX), and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC).

“By sharing best practices, concepts, doctrines, and standard operating procedures, the PCG and USCG enhanced their capabilities to respond to maritime emergencies and contingencies,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo expressed.

“Sharing similar mandates, values, and objectives, the exercise highlighted the closer and expanding relations between the PCG and USCG. It strengthened maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two Coast Guard services, specifically in maritime safety and marine environmental protection,” the PCG Spokesperson emphasized.

“The joint PASSEX also underscored the commitment of both Coast Guards to their vital role in safeguarding lives at sea, promoting maritime security, and protecting the marine environment,” he added.

CG Rear Admiral Balilo shared that the PCG and USCG will continue to expand their collaboration and jointly strengthen their capabilities to effectively respond to maritime contingencies, as well as uphold a safe, secure, and peaceful rules-based maritime order.

18/07/2024

Major Security Operation in South Cotabato: Three Lawless Groups Neutralized, One Apprehended

By Mark Navales

South Cotabato – In a decisive operation aimed at restoring peace and security in South Cotabato, local law enforcement and military units from the 5th Special Forces Battalion (5SFBn) and Polomolok Municipal Police Station (MPS) in South Cotabato successfully neutralized three lawless groups in a high-stakes encounter, with another group apprehended.

The operating team took place in the early hours of July 16, 2024, after the team received information regarding the presence of six fully armed men at Camp Española, Purok Salol, Barangay Palkan, Polomolok, and South Cotabato on July 15. Troops immediately coordinated with Polomolok MPS to validate the said information.

Authorities had been tracking the movements of these groups, who were reportedly involved in various illegal activities including extortion, illegal arms trade, and other violent crimes that have plagued the region, and from the information on July 16, given by Mr. Berkliegh Nambong, 43 years old, male, married, and Mrs. Helen Abiera-Alib, of legal age, female, widow, both residents of Purok Salol personally reported to Polomolok MPS regarding the presence of armed men inside their farm.

The government forces proceeded to Camp Española to verify the illegal intrusion and consolidation of the ALG members. Sensing the presence of the approaching troops, more or less eight ALG members opened fire, instantaneously hitting one police personnel. Government forces immediately retaliated, thereby resulting in an hour and 20 minutes of exchange of fires.

The firefight resulted in the deaths of three ALG members, apprehension of another, and recovery of one Carbine with chamber load and magazine inserted with 20 rounds of ammunition and two FCCs of Cal. 30; one Carbine with chamber load and magazine inserted with 21 rounds of ammunition and four FCCs of Cal. 30; one Cal. 45 pistol with magazine loaded with two rounds of ammunition and one FCC of Cal. 45; and eight FCCs of Cal. 5.56mm.

Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the combined military and police forces for preventing the ALG from instigating chaos and victimizing innocent civilians. “Rest assured that our troops will continue to support law enforcement operations with the PNP to preempt the ploys of lawless elements in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Gonzales said.

The encounter resulted in the deaths of several key members of these groups, effectively dismantling their operational capabilities. The apprehended group is now in custody and is expected to face charges ranging from illegal possession of fi****ms to involvement in criminal activities.

South Cotabato Forensic Team conducted further investigation of the incident.

The successful operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement and military forces to maintain law and order in South Cotabato, ensuring that residents can live without the threat of violence and crime.

18/07/2024

1.3 Million Worth of shabu seized in Cotabato City

Cotabato City—State Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency BARMM Director Gil Cesario Castro, together with the Cotabato City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), Cotabato City Police Station 1, and Public Safety of Cotabato City, successfully arrested a high-value target and confiscated MOL 200 grams of Shabu during a buy-bust operation in Jose Lim, Barangay Poblacion 5, Cotabato City on July 17, 2024.

Confiscated and recovered were two (2) pieces of knot-tied transparent plastic bags containing Shabu weighing MOL 200 grams with a standard drug price of ₱1,360,000.00, buy-bust money, one (1) unit mobile phone, one (1) piece leatherette wallet, and an identification card.

The arrested suspect was identified as Najer Cosain Arumpac, also known as Supremo, 26 years old, male, with known addresses at Barangay Calaan, Buldon, Maguindanao Del Norte, and Barangay Emie Punod, Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur. His illegal drug distribution covers nearby towns of Lanao Del Sur and as far as Cotabato City.

Director Castro sends a powerful message of integrity and transparency to the public. It is a demonstration of our commitment to keeping the community of Cotabato City safe and free from illegal drugs.

“Let us all take inspiration from this act and continue to work hand in hand toward a better, safer, and drug-free Bangsamoro,” Castro said to Trident News Philippines.

Arumpac is now detained at the PDEA RO BARMM Jail Facility while awaiting inquest proceedings for violation of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Last week PDEA BARMM operative unit estimated that 7.2 million in led to arrests, seizures, and one fatality in BARMM major drug busts.

From: PDEA-BARMM RO PIO

18/07/2024

Philippine - Australian Army Exercise 2024 in Australia Northern Territory

Taguig City – The 125-strong Philippine Army delegation and their Australian Army counterparts kicked off the month-long Philippine-Australia (PH-AUS) Exercise Carabaroo 2024 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia on July 15, 2024.

The 1st Brigade of the Australian Army hosts the 2024 iteration of Exercise Carabaroo. It forms part of the broader architecture of Exercise Predator’s Run 2024 which is dubbed as the Australian Army's most significant littoral training activity of the year.

Army and Marines contingents from the United States, United Kingdom, and Timor Leste are also participating in the said exercise which tests the concept of employment of a Light Littoral Brigade on Australia's northern coast.

The Philippine Army delegation — led by Governance and Strategy Management Office (GSMO), 5th Infantry Division (GSMO, 5ID) Chief Col. Jesus C. Pagala — is comprised of selected General Staff and personnel of the 5th Infantry Division, Training and Doctrine Command, Army Artillery Regiment, Army Signal Regiment, Army Support Command, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), First Scout Ranger Regiment, and Combat Engineer Regiment.

The Philippines has a long-standing defense cooperation with Australia facilitated by a series of bilateral agreements. The Philippine and Australian governments signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) in May 2007 which anchors the defense cooperation between the two nations.

From: Army Chief Public Affairs

15/07/2024

PCG assisted in rescuing over 750 individuals amid flooding in Zamboanga City

The Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) assisted in rescuing over 750 individuals affected by flooding in various residential areas in Zamboanga City yesterday, 14 July 2024.

The flooding was caused by heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon, which also resulted in the grounding of 16 vessels in the region.

CGDSWM and BARMM Commander, CG Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, said they are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities, especially during crises.

“Our personnel work tirelessly to rescue those in need and provide them with the necessary support,” CG Commodore Gines expressed.

As of press time, the CGDSWM continues to monitor the status of grounded vessels and coordinate with the owners for possible towing operations.

The District’s Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPG) also assesses the vicinity waters for potential oil spills.

The CGDSWM urges the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during inclement weather. Coast Guard personnel also advise seafarers to temporarily suspend sailing during strong winds and heavy rains.

15/07/2024

7.2 million Major Drug Busts Lead to Arrests, Seizures, and One Fatality in BARMM

By Mark Navales

Cotabato City - Operatives of PDEA BARMM Drug Enforcement Officers, together with their partners from the military and police support unit accomplished the operations with the overall direct supervision of Regional Director Gil Cesario Castro of PDEA
BARMM.

The operation successfully conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Western, Wao, Lanao Del Sur on July 11, 2024, which resulted in the seizure of MOL 1 kilo Shabu with estimated standard drug price of ₱6,800,000.00, and the arrest of Alimar Mama Matalicop also known as Alimar/Bai, 19 years old, male and a resident of Barangau Kadingilan, Wao, Lanao Del Sur.

Another drug suspect was successfully arrested and seized thirty-four thousand pesos worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or Shabu by elements of the PDEA Provincial Office led by Agent Marlon P. Santos, the apprehended suspect was identified as Usman Johani Rabbani, also known as Chong, 41 years old.

The confiscated evidence were five (5) pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of Shabu weighing more or less 5 grams with a standard drug price of ₱34, 000.00, buy-bust money, various drug paraphernalia, identification cards, the buy-bust operation conducted at Sitio Talisay, Barangay Kulaybato, Lamitan City, on July 12, 2024.

PDEA BARMM and their supporting units successfully neutralized a drug personality and seized three hundred forty thousand pesos worth of Shabu after a buy-bust operation at Barangay Poblacion II, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Del Sur on July 11. 2024.

During the transaction, the target suspects, who were later identified as Haider Ali Dimacisil also known as Den and Alias Dats sensed that they were dealing with PDEA operatives and immediately fired upon the operating team, which resulted in a short firefight resulting in the wounding of the suspect. He was immediately brought to the nearest hospital for medical treatment; however, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Meanwhile, the suspect's other cohort identified as Alias Dats managed to elude arrest.

On the other hand, during the firefight, one of the operating team members sustained a gunshot wound and was immediately brought to the hospital and is now in stable condition.

Recovered and confiscated were one (1) piece of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride, known as Shabu, weighing more or less 50 grams with a standard drug price of three hundred forty thousand pesos, (₱340,000.00), and the buy-bust money.

All suspects are now under the custody of the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility awaiting inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

10/07/2024

Police officer, five drug traffickers dead in North Cotabato raid

By: Jeoffrey Maitem

Cotabato City – An elite police officer and five other suspected drug traffickers were killed when authorities launched a raid Wednesday morning in Aleosan, North Cotabato.

Joint elements of Aleosan MPS, CPPO, 1st and 2nd Cotabato PMFC, 1203rd MC RMFB12, 45th and 41st PNP-SAF, RSOG 12 CPPO PIU/PPDEU and RIID Trackers Team Echo conducted search warrant operation

Policemen were supposed to serve search warrants against a suspected illegal drug dealer, Macabuat Salik, in the village of New Panay of Aleosan town shortly before 9:00 a.m. when the gunmen opened fire, said town police Chief Major Jennifer Amotan.

An intense gun battle erupted that left one dead on their side, identified as Corporal Jed Michael Gregorio, 33, from Special Action Force (SAF), and five other suspects who were facing illegal drug violations and possession of fi****ms and ammunition.

Six other policemen were injured in the operation, according to Amotan.

“During the assault, occupants of the house sensed the presence of the operatives; they then fired upon the troops, prompting them to engage. The firefight lasted about 30 minutes,” Amotan told Trident News Philippines.

Recovered from them were assorted types of fi****ms and explosives. During the conduct of the seizure, the seizing officer was able to recover One (1) piece big size of a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected dangerous drugs.

As a result, the subject of the search warrant Macabuat Salik, and his Four (4) cohorts sustained gunshot wounds and are subject to identification they were brought to Aleosan District Hospital for medical attention however declared by the attending physician dead on arrival.

Today’s operation was one of the most violent anti-drug crackdowns since 2017 in Mindanao.

In August 2018, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom, 54, and his nine male companions aboard a two-vehicle convoy were on their way home from Davao City when they allegedly had a shootout with anti-drug operatives in a checkpoint along the national highway of Bulatukan village.

In July 2017, Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog of southern Ozamiz city, his wife, Susan, his wife, brother Octavio, who was a town official, and at least 12 others were killed when Philippine police launched pre-dawn raids at the homes of local politicians accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade.

The Philippine government said that about 8,000 suspected dealers and addicts had been killed during the anti-drug campaign of the Duterte administration. Rights activists say the number could be much higher.

Currently, the International Criminal Court is investigating Duterte, 79, for crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs during his term from 2016 to 2022.

Mark Navales reported from Cotabato City

10/07/2024

Philippine Army chief reaffirms strong partnership with Indonesian Army

Taguig City - The Commanding General of, the Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido reaffirmed the strong defense partnership between the Philippine Army (PA) and the Indonesian Army in his courtesy call on Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD) Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak in Jakarta, Indonesia on July 10, 2024.

Both Army Chiefs discussed the sustained level of engagement between the Philippine Army and the Indonesian Army which primarily focuses on capability development and interoperability.

The CGPA also highlighted the bilateral training activities between the two armies such as the Training Activity (TA) PHILINDO STRIKE IV-2024, which will be held at the PA’s 6th Infantry Division’s area of responsibility in August 2024, and TA DOLPHINE 2024, a bilateral exercise between PA’s First Scout Ranger Regiment and the Indonesian Army’s 13th Military Area Command.

It can be noted that the Indonesian Army remains the most engaged foreign counterpart of the Philippine Army among the Philippines’ Southeast Asian neighbors.

10/07/2024

Balay Silangan Reformation Center Launch in South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi

Tawi-Tawi - PDEA BARMM Regional Director Gil Cesario P Castro graced the launching and inauguration of the Balay Silangan Reformation Center on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, initiated by Mayor Hadzri Matba in Barangay Nusa Nusa, South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

Fifteen individuals in this municipality will benefit from various government programs aimed at transforming their lives and making them more productive individuals.

Director Castro pointed out that the newly launched Reformation Center marks a new chapter of hope and opportunity for the South Ubian community. He likewise expressed deep gratitude to the LGU for their active support in the national anti-drug campaign.

"I am optimistic that South Ubian's proactive efforts will inspire other local government units to pave the way for a Drug-Free Tawi-Tawi." Director Castro said.

Other attendees at the event included: PCOL Rodulfo T. Inoy, the Provincial Director of Tawi-Tawi PPO, representatives of the Provincial Governor, Hon. Yshmael I Sali, and Hon. Congressman Dimzar Matba Sali, MHO, MSSD, MBLT, PCG, MBHTE, members of the Religious Sector, and Barangay Chairmen.

08/07/2024

South China Sea: Philippines to buy more 'faster, lethal' fighter jets as Beijing tensions persist

By: Jeoffrey Maitem

Manila - President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has approved the plan to acquire new multirole fighter jets as the Philippines pushes ahead with its military modernization to plug weaknesses in the air force’s defence capability amid simmering South China Sea tensions with Beijing.

Military chief General Romeo Brawner said the existing fleet of South Korean-made FA-50 aircraft was “still not enough to protect” the country which is considering buying “bigger, faster and more lethal” warplanes such as the US F-16 and Sweden’s JAS-39.

A decision on how many additional jets would be inducted into the Air Force was yet to be made, he told Trident News Philippines on Thursday.

The upgrade was already in the pipeline and aims to enhance the Philippines’ ability to project power beyond its territorial waters in the resource-rich seaway, observers say.

“What we need in the West Philippine Sea is not just vessels for maritime patrols but air assets as well,” said Rej Torrecampo, a security analyst at the Political Economic Elemental Researchers and Strategists think tank.

“It will have a critical and direct impact on our ability to project our assets beyond our 12 nautical miles territorial sea which includes our 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ).”

The West Philippine Sea is the term Manila uses to describe a portion of the South China Sea that falls within its EEZ.

Chinese and Philippine ships have been involved in a series of escalating confrontations in the disputed waters in recent months.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb during a June 17 clash when the Philippine side attempted to resupply troops stationed on a military outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal.

Security analyst Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said the government should opt for jets that are modest in price but also well-equipped and open for reverse engineering.

“South Korea, Sweden and even the US are still bidding on the state-of-the-art fighter planes. But Manila will diversify its acquisitions to democratize the competitive military air force market,” he said.

‘Quick and devastating’

The Swedish embassy said in May the Philippines has expressed “great interest in Swedish systems” including fighter planes, command systems and airborne early-warning aircraft.

President Marcos told Air Force personnel at a ceremony last week in Pampanga’s Cesar Basa Airbase that his administration would boost the nation’s defence capabilities by sourcing more air assets and advanced radar systems and strengthening cyberwarfare communication systems.

In January, he also approved a US$35 billion military modernization scheme, with much of the funding allotted to the Navy and Air Force.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed to provide the necessary legislative support to finance and implement the programmed.

Jose Antonio Custodio, a defense analyst and fellow at the Consortium of Indo-Pacific Researchers, said multirole jets offered “a quick and devastating response in a conflict situation”.

“When you look at both the aircraft of Sweden and the US, it’s more advantageous for the Philippines to get the US-made because we have an alliance with them,” he said, referring to the Mutual Defence Treaty (MDT) that obligates both Washington and Manila to come to the other’s aid in times of aggression by an external power.

The US has access to multiple military sites, including the Pampanga base, in the Philippines which has deepened security ties with America after Marcos took office in 2022.

“But the Chinese also have invested in such capability. That’s why their artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea have airstrips long enough to accommodate combat aircraft,” Custodio said.

Security analyst Joshua Espeña, a resident fellow and vice-president of the International Development and Security Cooperation, said the air force was arguably the weakest major service within the Philippine military and it needs at least a dozen squadrons of multirole jets to protect the archipelago’s airspace.

Though Manila has added a few fixed and rotary wings, drones and air defense systems, Espeña said the air force was dependent on its naval and ground counterparts as it develops joint operations for a multi-domain warfare scenario.

“Air forces may produce an independent strike effect as far away from harming populations in the land but it has trade-offs in terms of the ability to operate within a low level of vulnerability,” he said.

Espeña said the new jets would add heft to the air force which has supported the army’s internal security operations but it faced key challenges, including intercepting swarms of drones and the hypersonic missile capabilities of China, when dealing with external threats.

05/07/2024

Philippine official asserts South China Sea rights amid talks with Beijing to ease tensions

By: Jeoffrey Maitem
Photo by: Mark Navales

Davao City - A top Philippine official has dismissed a Chinese report over its actions in the Sabina Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, insisting Manila has the right to “do anything that we wish” in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts by Manila and Beijing to de-escalate growing tensions in the region, analysts warn the Sabina Shoal could be the next flashpoint for conflict between the two countries, given China’s vocal opposition to the Philippines’ increased presence at the disputed maritime feature.

The Global Times published a report on Tuesday accusing Filipino coastguard vessels of attempting to deliver “suspected” building materials including cement to the BRP Teresa Magbanua – a Philippine Coast Guard vessel stationed at the Sabina Shoal.

“This series of actions by the Philippines warrants high vigilance,” the Global Times said, citing experts who claimed the country appeared to be building a “maritime base” off Xianbin Jiao, Beijing’s name for the shoal.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, a Philippine Navy spokesman, responded to the report on Tuesday by implying that they had the right to deliver construction materials to their vessel at the shoal, without confirming that was what the coastguard was doing.
“We can do anything that we wish to within our exclusive economic zone. These are actions that the Philippines will pursue if and when necessary,” Trinidad said.

The Philippine government had to ensure that its territory was intact and sovereign rights were protected, he said.

“This will mean increased presence, this will mean increased maritime and air patrols, this will mean stationing ships longer than necessary. Suffice it to say, we will continue ensuring the integrity of our territory,” he added.

In May, the Philippines deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua to the Sabina Shoal to monitor and prevent alleged illegal activities by China.

Trinidad said the vessel would remain at the shoal depending on its operational capability and crew endurance.

“We are ensuring that we have maritime domain awareness, not only through the presence of our ships, coastguard, or navy but to the other modes of monitoring. This could be space-based or through aerial surveillance flights,” Trinidad said.

For the past few months, Manila and Beijing have been locked in an increasingly contentious territorial row in the West Philippine Sea, Manila’s name for South China Sea waters that lie within its EEZ.

The latest such incident on June 17 resulted in several Filipino sailors being injured, with one suffering a severed thumb, in their clash with Chinese coastguard at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine side was attempting to resupply troops stationed on a military outpost at the shoal.

“These actions undermine international law ... The Philippine Navy and the armed forces are doing everything to ensure the integrity of the national territory, the protection of our sovereignty,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad's remarks came as the Philippines and China agreed to de-escalate tensions in the disputed waters during Tuesday’s bilateral consultative mechanism meeting in Manila, where the two sides exchanged views “on the situation in the South China Sea”, particularly tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong behind closed doors for the meeting, where they agreed to continue to manage differences through negotiations.

Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jnr has previously voiced strong opposition to negotiations with China, arguing such talks are often used to weaken Manila’s position.

Asked whether Tuesday’s bilateral meeting contradicted the defense department stance, Rommel Banlaoi, who heads the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, told This Week in Asia that de-escalation meant both parties would avoid direct military engagement and maritime activities would not be viewed as a threat to each other.

“That’s the purpose of de-escalation. There will be more coordination, prior notice and hopefully greater cooperation. But that will not mean each party will stop from fulfilling their mission to protect their maritime interest,” he said.

Potential flashpoints

Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow in the Southeast Asia Programme at the Lowy Institute, said other areas within the Philippines’ EEZ that China claimed could trigger conflicts, given Beijing's extensive presence in the South China Sea and with Sabina Shoal being just one piece of the puzzle.

“What is more important for the Philippines is maintaining a strong and permanent presence in Sabina Shoal. This requires surface vessels capable of operating longer out at sea. Whether the Philippine Coast Guard has sufficient vessels to maintain a 24/7 presence in many contested areas within the South China Sea is questionable,” Yaacob said.

“I think this is where other actors could assist Manila – assisting the Philippines to improve its maritime domain awareness, donating or providing vessels, or conducting joint patrol with the Philippine Navy.”
Trinidad’s comments, he said, could be seen as stating the Philippines’ position and legal rights regarding the contested area and not contradictory to Manila’s efforts to de-escalate tensions.

“From my perspective, it could be just a negotiating tactic. For a negotiation to be successful in de-escalating tensions, China and the Philippines should not impose any preconditions. I think a lot of issues need to be worked out between Manila and Beijing to de-escalate the situation in the Second Thomas Shoal and other parts of the South China Sea where both parties have overlapping claims,” he said.

Asked if there was a split among the military and administration officials, Yaacob said the military and coastguard were doing exactly as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr to safeguard the Philippines’ interests in the South China Sea.

“Diplomacy and military deterrence are not mutually exclusive. They reinforce each other. A strong statement and ground actions from the military can contribute to the success of Manila’s diplomatic approach to reduce tensions with Beijing,” he said.

The Philippines, China, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam have competing claims in the South China Sea. A tribunal in The Hague ruled in 2016 that Beijing’s claims over the South China Sea through its so-called nine-dash-line had no legal basis and recognized Manila’s sovereign rights in the waterway. China has refused to accept the verdict.

Matteo Piasentini, a security analyst from the China and Indo-Pacific desk at Geopolitica, an Italian think tank, told This Week in Asia that while Sabina could be another flashpoint for stand-offs, neither party was unlikely to resort to outright conflict.

On whether the timing of Trinidad’s statement showed a split between the defense and administration, Piasentini said lack of coordination did not mean their actions were contradictory.

“Negotiations for de-escalation and reduction of violence can only be beneficial for Filipino personnel operating there at this point, but this shouldn’t come at the expense of the Philippines’ maritime claims. Claims that Manila is entitled to protect through actions anytime it deems opportune,” he said.

“It should be clearer that negotiations with China must and can be conducted without giving up the country’s claims in the South China Sea. Given the existing power asymmetry between the two, a soft stance on the West Philippine Sea by the Philippine government would be seen as capitulation,” he added.

Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation, said in a separate interview that the smallness of Sabina Shoal would have a bigger impact on the territorial disputes in the Spratlys.

The proximity of the shoal to Palawan province and the disputed Second Thomas Shoal “will create an intensified grey zone and more maritime attacks” to deter the Philippine Navy’s resupply missions, Cabalza said.

“The bilateral consultative mechanism needs honest and frank assessment from each party to arrive with conciliatory measures" to minimize conflict at the shoals, he added.

Address

Cotabato City
9600

Website

http://www.tridentnewsphilippines.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Trident News Philippines posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Trident News Philippines:

Videos

July 22, 2024 Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. *Statement* The obviously fake video being circulated emanating from a MAISUG gathering in Los Angeles is again a maliciously crude attempt to destabilize the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They will not succeed! Even the release of the contrived video in the USA is a cowardly attempt to escape Philippine criminal jurisdiction. We urge the proper US authorities to investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of this disgusting act. From DND PIO

PCG's BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and USCG Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) participated in the PASSEX that focused on simulating Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, firefighting scenarios, communication exercises (COMEX), and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC).

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a Joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the vicinity waters off Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro, yesterday, 16 July 2024.

The Philippine Coast Guard crew turned over the two injured fishermen of FFB Akio to the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) for transport to the nearest hospital for further medical assistance.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately instructed BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), to provide medical assistance to two of eight fishermen of the half-submerged fishing boat who were injured.

News Update on Ayungin shoal actual video footage Chinese Coast Guard personnel violently attached ropes to tow the AFP's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat while threatening to injure an AFP soldier with a pickaxe. They also employed blaring sirens to create chaos, disrupt communication, and divert the attention of AFP troops, exacerbating the hostile and dangerous situation. Handout video from AFP #PhilippineCoastGuard #PhilippineNavy #dndteodoro #sovereignty #AFP #PagasaIsland

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Roderick Carrera, Leif John Robino, Michelle Mallillin Darauay, Juneza Arandia, Annaliza Baguio Arellano, Lyza Draper, Robin Catli, Orepart Nayrb, Akmal Vera

Philippines and US forces unleash coordinated firepower during a joint military exercise on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Northern Philippines, hitting and sinking the decommissioned BRP Caliraya, a Chinese-made decommissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy.

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) is a class of air-cushioned landing craft used by the United States Navy. They transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel from ship to shore and across the beach from the coastal village of Campong Ulay in Palawan, an island facing the South China Sea, as part of this year’s annual Balikatan joint military exercises, an activity officials defended not meant to provoke any particular country at a time of heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing.

A dozen rockets were launched using an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) across the beach from the coastal village of Campong Ulay in Palawan, an island facing the South China Sea, as part of this year’s annual Balikatan joint military exercises, an activity officials defended not meant to provoke any particular country at a time of heightened tensions between Manila and Beijing.

SURGICAL OUTREACH NG MOH-BARMM SA BASILAN, TAGUMPAY Nag sagawa ng surgical outreach program ang Ministry of Health ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or (MOH-BARMM) sa pamumuno ni Minister Dr. Rizaldy Piang at Dr. Tato Usman, OIC Director General ng nasabing ahensya. Ang surgical mission ay binubuo ng mga espesyalistang doktor na pinangungunahan ni Dr Michael Macion isang Orthopedic Surgeon, at mga kasama nitong doctor ng General Surgeons, Optamologist, Internal Medicine, OB-Gyne, Anesthesiologist, ENT specialist at Orthopedic Surgeon.