PHILIPPINES FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY
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29 MAY 2018
Philippines, China draw ‘red lines’ in South China Sea dispute
Both the Philippines and China have identified actions that would be deemed unacceptable in the South China Sea, the Philippines’ top diplomat said Monday
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/05/29/1819745/philippines-china-draw-red-lines-south-china-sea-dispute#rb27AMRaDLYV5kox.99
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2148204/philippines-rodrigo-duterte-will-go-war-china-if-it
2 MAY 2018
Philippines gets new Israel missiles to boost naval capabilities
The Philippines has completed the purchase of its first-ever ship-borne missile systems as part of a military modernization program and for the expansion of its naval capabilities in the disputed South China Sea
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/05/02/560433/Philippines-navy-South-China-Sea
19 APRIL 2018
Philippine-US war games expanded to include Japan, Australia
Annual US-Philippine military exercises involving thousands of troops will be expanded for the first time to include other countries, with Japanese and Australian forces invited to join what will be the 34th edition of the war games
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippine-us-war-games-expanded-to-include-japan-australia
23 MARCH 2018
US foreign policy is failing in the Philippines
In spite of the United States’ renewed focus on great power competition in the 2018 National Defense Strategy,the war against terrorism will remain salient to US strategy. In few places is this clearer than in the Philippines
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2018/03/23/us-foreign-policy-is-failing-in-the-philippines/
14 MARCH 2018
Duterte withdraws Philippines from International Criminal Court
Outspoken Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte made the controversial decision to withdraw his country from the International Criminal Court amid a probe into alleged crimes against humanity in his brutal anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/03/14/duterte-withdraws-philippines-from-international-criminal-court.html
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198171-full-text-philippines-rodrigo-duterte-statement-international-criminal-court-withdrawal
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/646641/amnesty-international-phl-s-withdrawal-from-icc-too-late-to-stop-probe-vs-alleged-ejks/story/
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-moves-to-quit-icc-what-does-it-mean-10043370
12 MARCH 2018
Duterte goes to war with UN as he threatens to throw rights team to the crocodiles
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte fuelled an extraordinary war of words with the United Nations by saying that their human rights team should be fed to crocodiles if they came to investigate his controversial war on drugs
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/12/duterte-goes-war-un-threatens-throw-rights-team-crocodiles/
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/13/1796217/palace-dutertes-crocodile-response-united-nations-appropriate
French Navy ship visit to Philippines shows France commitment to security, freedom of navigation
The visit of a French Navy’s light patrol frigate to the Philippines shows France as a “Pacific power” that is committed to “security” and adherence to the principle of freedom of navigation in Southeast Asia, officials said after the Vendmiaire docked at a port in Manila on Monday
http://www.manilatimes.net/french-navy-ship-visit-to-ph-shows-france-commitment-to-security-freedom-of-navigation/385691
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/164912/philippines-france-south-china-sea-west-philippine-sea-military-cooperation-dispute-southeast-asia-defense-peace
7 FEBRUARY 2018
Philippines President Duterte slams European Union as ‘stupid’, refuses summit invite after criticism of bloody drug war
President Rodrigo Duterte has angrily turned down an invitation to an Asia-Europe summit in Brussels as he again lashed out at the EU and accused the bloc of insulting him over his deadly war on drugs
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2132426/philippines-president-duterte-slams-europoean-union-stupid
5 FEBRUARY 2018
Philippines on China military build-up: No war option
The Philippines has declared that war is not an option in resolving its dispute with China, which was found to have continued its military build-up in disputed South China Sea areas, declared by a UN arbitration court to belong to Manila
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/philippines-china-military-build-war-option-180205080825411.html#
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/163814/palace-duterte-roque-south-china-sea-militarization-disputed-sea-island-military-reef
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/02/06/1785089/palace-downplays-chinas-almost-done-militarization-south-china-sea
7 DECEMBER 2017
Examining the “Political Temperature” behind Philippines-China Relations
It is also important to note that China’s much-touted goodwill towards the Philippines and the rest of the region hinges on its bilateral relations. As Premier Li indicated, the increase or decrease in the “political temperature” is very important. For President Duterte, it is critical to maintain the warm temperature in Philippines-China relations for as long as he can, and not allow it to freeze again. As China presently benefits from this newly “thawed” relation, there is uncertainty and anxiety for the Philippines over the future costs of this warm reception
http://ippreview.com/index.php/Home/Blog/single/id/611.html
14 NOVEMBER 2017
Rodrigo Duterte calls Justin Trudeau’s questions about war on drugs an ‘insult’
The Philippines president, Rodrigo Duterte, attacked Canada’s Justin Trudeau at the end of a summit of Asian and western nations for raising questions about his war on drugs, a topic skirted by other leaders, including Donald Trump
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/14/rodrigo-duterte-justin-trudeau-war-on-drugs-insult
13 NOVEMBER 2017
Trump-Duterte: US president hails ‘great relationship’
US President Trump has said he has a “great relationship” with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as the two met at a regional summit in Manila. The meeting got off to a rocky start with a group handshake gone awry
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41964930
http://www.dw.com/en/donald-trump-meets-philippine-president-duterte-as-asean-summit-kicks-off-in-manila/a-41351485
31 OCTOBER 2017
Is the Philippines’ Duterte playing China against Japan?
Although Tokyo offered financial support to Manila, Japan is in no position to rival China financially. Duterte knows this and is using the Beijing-Tokyo rivalry to his own advantage. Julian Ryall reports from Tokyo
http://www.dw.com/en/is-the-philippines-duterte-playing-china-against-japan/a-41186294
19 OCTOBER 2017
Philippines’ Duterte says Malaysian militant Dr Mahmud killed
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte confirmed on Thursday (Oct 19) that Malaysian Mahmud Ahmad, once tipped to become Islamic State’s point man in Southeast Asia, was killed by the military
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2017/10/19/philippines-duterte-says-malaysian-islamist-militant-killed/
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysias-most-wanted-terrorist-mahmud-ahmad-dead-duterte-9325804
17 OCTOBER 2017
Philippine President Duterte declares Marawi ‘liberation’ from jihadists
Philippine President Duterte has declared that Marawi city is now liberated from IS-linked jihadists. Rebuilding and rehabilitating the war-torn city will be a test case for Duterte, say analysts
http://www.dw.com/en/philippine-president-duterte-declares-marawi-liberation-from-jihadists/a-40988478
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/duterte-declares-marawi-liberated-military-says-30-militants-9317748
16 OCTOBER 2017
Last leaders of Muslim militant siege in southern Philippines, killed in fighting
The two final surviving leaders of a deadly siege in the southern Philippines, including a top Asian terror suspect, were killed on Monday in one of the final battles by thousands of troops to retake the last area in Marawi city held by pro-Islamic State militants
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2115487/isnilon-hapilon-last-leader-muslim-militant-siege-southern
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/leaders-of-marawi-war-killed-in-clashes-with-philippine-forces-defence-secretary
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171016_33/
15 OCTOBER 2017
Duterte says he refused British aid, ready to lose Europe
The Philippine president said he has asked his finance secretary to reject an unspecified British financial aid package and that he’s ready to cut diplomatic ties with all European countries critical of his deadly anti-drug crackdown
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/articles/75/139/219/1508040330199.html
9 OCTOBER 2017
Philippines apologises to China for using Taiwan logo at ceremony
The Philippines apologised to China on Monday for a “grievous but purely unintentional” mistake after it displayed the logo of the defence ministry of Taiwan, not China, at an event marking Beijing’s donation of 3,000 rifles to Manila.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-apologises-to-china-for-using-taiwan-logo-at-ceremony-9292746
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2114532/philippines-sorry-grievous-error-saw-it-use-taiwan
29 AUGUST 2017
Islamic State: Australia offers to send Special Forces to help fight IS in Philippines city of Marawi
Australian Special Forces soldiers could soon be deployed to the Southern Philippines to help local forces fight Islamic State (IS) militants in the country’s south
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-29/australia-offers-troops-to-help-philippines-fight-is/8851750?section=world
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/08/australia-offers-additional-military-help-philippines-fight-islamic-state/#FqGpkVMQvMqmRWrl.97
3 JULY 2017
Philippines, US security alliance still holds
President Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for an independent foreign policy, the Philippines’ security partnership with long-time ally US remains firm, with the two countries freshly concluding a coordinated patrol exercise in the Sulu Sea in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/07/philippines-us-security-alliance-still-holds/#fbv02JfL0KovGUxV.99
1st JULY 2017
US, Philippines Navy Ships Patrol Sulu Sea
The United States and Philippine navies held a joint naval patrol Saturday in dangerous southern Philippine waters, amid rising international concern about Islamist militancy and piracy in the region
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-philippines-patrol-sulu-sea/3924116.html
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_PAKISTAN_KASHMIR?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-07-01-03-39-37
10 JUNE 2017
US commandos helping Philippines troop battle Islamist militants in Marawi
Special forces are providing support to the Philippine military battling to dislodge Islamist militants in a southern city, the US embassy said Saturday, as 13 Filipino marines were killed in fresh fighting
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/10/us-commandos-helpingphilippines-troop-battle-islamist-militants/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40231605
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/06/11/1708722/us-forces-assisting-philippines-battle-end-siege
1 MAY 2017
Duterte visits Chinese warships in hometown Davao in first Philippines port call since 2010
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday visited Chinese warships docked in his hometown, highlighting fast-warming relations despite competing claims in the South China Sea
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2092036/duterte-visits-chinese-warships-hometown-davao-first-philippines
http://www.manilatimes.net/president-open-war-games-china-sulu/325058/
30 APRIL 2017
Donald Trump invites Rodrigo Duterte to White House in ‘warm’ phone call as Chinese ships arrive in the Philippines
US President Donald Trump invites Rodrigo Duterte to the White House, telling the Philippine leader during a phone call that he is interested in developing “a warm, working Relationship”
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2017-04-30/donald-trump-invites-rodrigo-duterte-to-white-house-in-warm-phone-call-as-chinese-ships-arrive-in-th/1668166
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/04/30/1695408/trump-invites-duterte-white-house-discuss-renewed-ties
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2091832/trump-invites-duterte-washington-friendly-phone-call
27 APRIL 2017
Indonesia-Philippines sea border pact ratified
Indonesia’s Parliament on Thursday (April 27) ratified a landmark sea border agreement with the Philippines, which sets the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundaries between the two countries in the Mindanao and Celebes seas
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-philippines-sea-border-pact-ratified
21 APRIL 2017
Philippine defence chief visits disputed Spratly island
Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana flew to a disputed South China Sea island on Friday (April 21), brushing off a challenge by the Chinese military while asserting Manila’s territorial claim to the strategic region
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippine-defence-chief-visits-disputed-spratly-island
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/04/22/1692733/chinese-challenge-philippines-defense-chiefs-plane
19 MARCH 2017
China too powerful to confront, Durterte says
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday he could not stop China from building on a disputed shoal near his country’s west coast because it was too powerful
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/03/philippines-duterte-says-not-war-china-cant-stop-scarborough-shoal-activities/#H2H4yozdRHh0LQvW.97
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/153556/duterte-cant-stop-china-panatag
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/1217622/duterte-bound-for-bangkok-monday-cant-stop-china
27 FEBRUARY 2017
Duterte plays a dangerous game in the South China Sea
Philippine president’s courting of China as he pivots away from the United States could reap dividends – or a military coup
http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/geopolitics/article/2073858/duterte-plays-dangerous-game-south-china-sea
1 FEBRUARY 2017
Philippine communist rebels end ceasefire, accuses Duterte’s government of human rights abuses
The move comes after a third round of peace talks aimed at ending decades of bloodshed wrapped up in Italy last week with no deal on a permanent truce
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2067244/philippine-communist-rebels-end-ceasefire-accuses-dutertes
http://www.manilatimes.net/reds-resume-war/310159/
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-communist-rebels-end-ceasefire-but-still-support-peace-talks
16 JANUARY 2017
Philippines filed diplomatic protest over South China Sea buildup: Minister
The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest with China, its foreign minister said on Monday, over Beijing’s installation last year of anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems on its manmade islands in the disputed South China Sea
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-filed-diplomatic-protest-over-south-china-sea/3442404.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-quietly-protests-chinas-weapons-installations-on-islands
10 JANUARY 2017
Duterte wants Mindanao peace, does MILF want it too?
Last week, armed rebels with links to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front attacked a jail in the southern Philippines and freed their leaders. Are the group’s lower ranks getting frustrated with the ongoing peace process?
http://www.dw.com/en/duterte-wants-mindanao-peace-does-milf-want-it-too/a-37078888
7 JANUARY 2017
Duterte asks Russia: Be Philippine ally and protector
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte continued his offer of friendship to Russia as he visited a Russian antisubmarine vessel docked in Manila
http://www.asianews.network/content/duterte-asks-russia-be-philippine-ally-and-protector-36851
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201701071049353801-philippines-duterte-bases/
3 JANUARY 2017
Russian warships visit Manila in Moscow’s bid to hold maritime drills
Russia wants to hold maritime drills with the Philippines to help combat terrorism and piracy, sending two warships to Manila for the first official navy-to-navy contact, as President Rodrigo Duterte pivots to United States’ traditional rivals
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/01/philippines-russian-warships-manila-moscows-maritime-drills/
20 DECEMBER 2016
China offers $14 million arms package to Philippines for free
China has offered to provide $14 million worth of small arms and fast boats to the Philippines for free, aiding President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs and fighting terrorism, Manila’s defence minister said on Tuesday
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/250331103
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2056027/china-offers-14-million-arms-package-philippines-free
24 NOVEMBER 2016
Communist rebels see Philippine-US ties troubling peace deal
Communist guerrillas warned that a peace deal with President Rodrigo Duterte’s government is unlikely to be reached if he won’t end the Philippines’ treaty alliance with the United States and resist foreign control by other countries he’s trying to befriend, like China and Russia
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/249664433
20 NOVEMBER 2016
Meeting Putin, Duterte rails at Western ‘hypocrisy’
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at Western “bullying” and “hypocrisy” during his first meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and said when it came to alliances, the United States could not be trusted
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-11/20/content_15528859.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/20/rodrigo-duterte-slames-western-hypocrisy-as-he-meets-putin
14 NOVEMBER 2016
Philippines’ Duterte makes U-turn on US order for 26,000 rifles
The Philippines police will push ahead with the purchase of 26,000 assault rifles from a US supplier, the police chief said on Monday, following an about-face by President Rodrigo Duterte, who previously said the deal would be scrapped
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2045745/philippines-duterte-makes-u-turn-us-order-26000-rifles
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-police-boss-says-us-guns-deal-after-duterte-u-turn
2 NOVEMBER 2016
Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte lashes United States ‘monkeys, fools’ for halting sales of 26,000 weapons
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte chides the United States for halting the planned sale of 26,000 rifles to his country, calling those behind the decision “fools” and “monkeys” and indicating he might turn to Russia and China instead
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-11-03/philippines-rodrigo-duterte-lashes-united-states-monkeys-fools-for-halting-sales-of-26000-weapons/1630234
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/11/philippines-can-buy-assault-rifles-russia-duterte-says-us-suspends-sale/
27 OCTOBER 2016
Japan, Philippines vow closer partnership
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to strengthen their countries’ strategic partnership but skipped forging a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that would allow joint war games of their armed forces
http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/japan-philippines-vow-closer-partnership-1.1919702
25 OCTOBER 2016
Duterte warns end to US defence pact during Japan visit
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has arrived in Japan for three-day of talks, but the first day of his visit was overshadowed by his rants against the United States, calling Americans “foolish” while threatening to cut off a 2014 defence pact with Washington DC
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/duterte-warns-defence-pact-japan-visit-161025141718165.html
20 OCTOBER 2016
Duterte announces ‘separation’ from US; aligns Philippines with China
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced his “separation” from the United States on Thursday, declaring that it had “lost” and he had realigned with China as the two agreed to resolve their South China Sea dispute through talks
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/duterte-announces-separation-us-aligns-philippines-china
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/philippines-duterte-china-announces-split-161020131226993.html
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2038577/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-gets-red-carpet
19 OCTOBER 2016
Philippines’ Duterte says ‘goodbye’ to US ties in Beijing
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said it was “time to say goodbye” to the US during a visit to China on Wednesday, as the combative leader reconfigures his country’s diplomatic alliances
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-duterte-says-goodbye-to-us-ties-in-beijing/3219936.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-20/rodrigo-duterte-says-south-china-sea-case-to-take-back-seat/7948474?section=world
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-praises-friendly-philippine-president-rodrigo-duterte-during-visit
Anti-US protests dispersed in Manila
Philippine police used tear gas to disperse about 1,000 anti-US protesters outside the US embassy in Manila on Wednesday, as television news footage showed a patrol van, which had come under attack, driving at demonstrators
http://www.atimes.com/article/anti-us-protests-dispersed-manila-duterte-china/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-37702784
6 OCTOBER 2016
Rodrigo Duterte wants to liberate Philippines from United States ‘shackling dependency’, Minister says
The President of the Philippines wants to liberate his country from a “shackling dependency” on the United States which can not guarantee its help when Philippine sovereignty is under threat, the foreign minister says
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/duterte-wants-liberate-philippines-us-shackles-foreign-minister
4 OCTOBER 2016
Duterte tells Obama ‘you can go to hell’ in new tirade
President Rodrigo Duterte told his US ally Barack Obama “you can go to hell” in a speech Tuesday that was his latest tirade against the US over its criticism of his deadly anti-drug campaign
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/10/04/1630518/duterte-tells-obama-you-can-go-hell-new-tirade
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/04/16/duterte-to-obama-go-to-hell
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2025064/philippine-leader-duterte-tells-obama-go-hell-eyes-arms
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-04/philippine-us-war-games-under-way/7903038?section=world
US, Philippines launch war games amid uncertainty over ties
The US and Philippines have launched war games as relations between the two allies have been cast into doubt. The new Philippines president has vowed to make the country less dependent on the US
http://www.dw.com/en/us-philippines-launch-war-games-amid-uncertainty-over-ties/a-35952731
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20161004_27/
27 SEPTEMBER 2016
Philippines Duterte seeks alliances with China and Russia
President Duterte said on Tuesday he would build by next year “new alliances” with China and Russia to cushion the fallout from the possible withdrawal of the United States from the Philippines
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/content/philippines-president-duterte-seeks-alliances-russia-china
http://www.beijingbulletin.com/index.php/sid/248009851
12 SEPTEMBER 2016
Duterte says he wants US special forces out of southern Philippines
After blasting the United States supposedly for interfering in his war on drugs, President Duterte yesterday said he wanted American troops out of Mindanao as he blamed Washington for the conflict and security threats in the South
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/13/1623292/rody-wants-us-troops-out-mindanao
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/duterte-says-he-wants-us-special-forces
06 SEPTEMBER 2016
Obama calls off meeting with Philippine leader after ‘whore’ jibe
US President Barack Obama has cancelled a meeting with controversial Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who had earlier called him a “son of a whore”.
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/content/obama-calls-meeting-duterte-following-insult
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-09-06/barack-obama-scraps-planned-talks-with-rodrigo-duterte-over-son-of-a-whore-slur/1614908
Japan to provide planes, ships for Philippines amid sea dispute with China
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday agreed to provide two large-sized patrol ships and lend up to five used surveillance aircraft to the Philippines, a Japanese government spokesman said, with both countries locked in territorial disputes with China.
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/2016212/japan-provide-planes-ships-philippines-amid-sea-dispute
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160906_37/
21 AUGUST 2016
Philippine President Duterte threatens to quit UN after it calls for end to drug war-related killings
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte railed against the United Nations on Sunday (Aug 21) after it called for an end to the wave of killings unleashed by his war on drugs, saying he might leave the organisation and invite China and others to form a new one
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippine-president-duterte-threatens-to-quit-un-after-it-calls-for-end-to-drug-war
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/08/22/1616049/rody-threatens-quit-un
8 AUGUST 2016
Philippines receives first Japanese coast guard vessel
The Philippines received the first of ten coast guard vessels from Japan Thursday, the coastguard said, as the two countries boost security ties in the face of their separate maritime disputes with China
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/18/national/philippines-accepts-first-10-japan-funded-patrol-vessels-beef-coast-guard/#.V7Y3xY9OI2w
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-receives-first-japanese-coast-guard-vessel#sthash.oS2i0p4U.dpuf
12 AUGUST 2016
Japan gives Philippines patrol ships
Japan on Friday announced it would give the Philippines two new vessels to boost Manila’s capacity to patrol its waters, with the allies facing Chinese aggression in separate maritime disputes.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/577429/news/nation/japan-gives-philippines-patrol-ships
Ex-Philippine leader meets senior China official to mend ties
Former Philippine leader Fidel Ramos said he had met with a senior Chinese official during a trip to Hong Kong aimed at improving ties between Manila and Beijing, with both sides working towards formal discussions
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-08-12/exphilippine-leader-meets-senior-china-official-to-mend-ties/1607802
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160812_23/
http://www.dw.com/en/manila-opens-backchannel-with-beijing/a-19469550
10 AUGUST 2016
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte calls US envoy Philip Goldberg ‘gay’, prompting summons
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked a fresh diplomatic row after calling the US ambassador “gay”, in comments that prompted Washington to summon Manila’s envoy.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-leader-calls-us-envoy-gay-prompting-summons
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-10/philippines-president-rodrigo-duterte-calls-us-envoy-gay/7717106?section=world
9 JULY 2016
China’s proposal to start South China Sea talks not based on court ruling refused by Philippines
The Philippines has turned down bilateral talks with Beijing over the South China Sea dispute, after China’s foreign ministry insisted a landmark court ruling against them could not even be mentioned at the meeting
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/19/asia/south-china-sea-philippines-talks/index.html
http://www.dw.com/en/philippines-refuses-bilateral-talks-with-china-following-south-china-sea-ruling/a-19408968
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/245966867
3 JULY 2016
Philippines celebrates victory in South China Sea case, despite China’s refusal to accept result
People across the Philippines are celebrating victory after an international court in The Hague ruled China has no historic title over the waters of the South China Sea
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-13/philippines-celebrates-victory-in-south-china-sea-case/7623440?section=world
https://globalvoices.org/2016/07/13/filipinos-call-on-china-to-do-a-chexit-in-the-south-china-sea/
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/245785487
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/07/13/1602477/full-text-aquino-says-maritime-arbitration-ruling-victory-all
13 JUNE 2016
Filipino group say flag-planting on disputed shoal in South China Sea halted by China
Chinese coast guard vessels prevented a Philippine nationalist group from planting a Filipino flag on a rocky South China Sea outcrop, the group said on Monday (June 13), the latest territorial standoff between the two countries
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/filipino-group-say-flag-planting-on-disputed-shoal-in-south-china-sea-halted-by-china
31 MAY 2016
Philippines’ Duterte endorses killing corrupt journalists
In a press conference called on Tuesday to announce his cabinet in his southern hometown of Davao, Duterte said journalists who took bribes or engaged in other corrupt activities also deserved to die
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-duterte/2834174.html
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/568295/news/nation/duterte-s-remarks-placed-journos-in-danger-media-groups-say
Malaysia Warns Philippines’ Duterte Against ‘Reigniting’ Sabah Dispute
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak rebuked Philippine president-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s suggestion that he may reignite the Sabah dispute between the two nations, urging Manila on Monday to instead focus on resolving its own decades-old insurgency in the country’s South
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/malaysia-warns-duterte-against-reigniting
5 MAY 2016
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines reach agreement to coordinate maritime security
Following kidnappings of Indonesians at sea, Indonesia has come to an agreement with Malaysia and the Philippines to boost maritime security after a sit-down in Yogyakarta today
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/05/indonesia-maritime-security/
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/05/05/indonesia-malaysia-philippines-sign-maritime-security-declaration.html
3 MAY 2016
Japan agrees to lease military aircraft to Philippines
Japan will lease military aircraft to the Philippines in another sign of deepening security ties between the two former foes to counter Beijing’s increasing regional influence.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/japan-agrees-lease-military-aircraft-philippines-050815514.html?nhp=1
15 APRIL 2016
US reveals joint patrols in South China Sea with Philippines and will keep 300 troops including combat aircraft in region
The United States revealed for the first time that American ships have started conducting joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea, a somewhat rare move not done with many other partners in the region
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/1935972/us-reveals-joint-patrols-south-china-sea-philippines-and-will
http://www.singaporestar.com/index.php/sid/243161959
http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/us-to-rotate-more-aircraft-troops-through-philippines-1.404418
8 APRIL 2016
Philippines gets US military aid boost amid South China Sea dispute
The United States has allocated more than US$120 million (85.19 million pounds) in military aid to the Philippines this year, the biggest in about 15 years, a senior Filipino diplomat said on Friday, amid rising tension with China over the disputed South China Sea
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/philippines-gets-us-military-aid-boost-amid-south-china-sea-dispute
21 MARCH 2016
These are the new U.S. military bases near the South China Sea. China isn’t impressed.
The disputed South China Sea will soon see increased U.S. military activity from five Philippine bases, following the signing of a deal between Manila and Washington that will allow the Pentagon to deploy conventional forces to the Philippines for the first time in decades
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/03/21/these-are-the-new-u-s-military-bases-near-the-south-china-sea-china-isnt-impressed/
18 MARCH 2016
US agrees with Manila on bases in Philippines
Representatives of the US and the Philippines have reached a deal on five locations for US troops on the island country. The move comes as tensions with Beijing rise over territorial disputes in the South China Sea
http://www.dw.com/en/us-agrees-with-manila-on-bases-in-philippines/a-19128268
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/20/1564662/us-philippines-agree-5-base-locations-under-edca
5 MARCH 2016
Turning over a new leaf in Japan–Philippines relations
Under a series of landmark agreements Washington served as the de facto guarantor of Philippine national security for almost a century. But in recent years Japan has rapidly upgraded its security cooperation with Manila. Today, Japan is the Philippines’ top provider of development aid, leading trading Partner
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/03/05/turning-over-a-new-leaf-in-japan-philippines-relations/
1 MARCH 2016
Japan, Philippines sign deal for defense equipment transfer
The Foreign Ministry announced Monday that the Japanese and Philippine governments have signed an accord for the transfer of defense equipment and related technologies.
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/japan-philippines-sign-deal-defense-equipment-transfer
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1456641889§ion=13
29 JANUARY 2016
In the Philippines, Japan’s royals honor war dead
Japanese Emperor Akihito offered flowers Friday at a shrine built in the Philippines for Japanese soldiers killed during Japan’s brutal World War II occupation of the Southeast Asian nation
http://www.manilatimes.net/japans-royals-honor-war-dead/242074/
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20160129_24.html
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201601290062
26 JANUARY 2016
Japan’ Imperial couple in Philippines to honor war victims
Emperor Akihito said Tuesday that Japan must remember the tremendous loss of life in the Philippines during World War II, as he and Empress Michiko embarked for a four-day visit to the Southeast Asian country
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/26/national/imperial-couple-departs-philippines-first-ever-official-visit-reigning-emperor/#.VqfwEDjMvIV
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/27/1546748/philippines-japan-forge-stronger-ties
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20160126_39.htm
13 JANUARY 2016
Philippines offers eight bases to US under new military deal
The Philippines has offered the United States eight bases where it can build facilities to store equipment and supplies under a new security deal, a military spokesman said on Wednesday, amid rising tension with China over the South China Sea.
http://atimes.com/2016/01/philippines-offers-eight-bases-to-us-under-new-military-deal/
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/14/1542335/8-philippine-camps-eyed-us
12 JANUARY 2016
Philippine Supreme Court allows military deal with U.S. as sides meet in Washington
The Philippines Supreme Court on Tuesday declared constitutional a security deal with the United States allowing an increased U.S. military presence in the former U.S. colony as tension rises in the South China Sea.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-usa-idUSKCN0UQ0JK20160112
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-welcomes-more/2421044.html
http://www.manilatimes.net/high-court-upholds-edca/239110/
8 JANUARY 2016
Philippines urges ASEAN pressure on China for rules on disputed sea
Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Friday urged Southeast Asian neighbours to put pressure on China to agree on a binding code of conduct to ease tension in South China Sea following Chinese test flights to an island it has built
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-urges-asean-pressure-china-rules-disputed-sea
21 DECEMBER 2015
Philippine leader says $2.5b to be spent on military modernisation
Philippine President Benigno Aquino promised Monday that 83.9 billion pesos (US$1.77 billion, S$2.5 billion) allocated for military modernisation projects would be spent by 2017 as the country faces a territorial dispute with China
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippine-leader-says-25b-be-spent-military-modernisation
18 NOVEMBER 2015
US Gives the Philippines 2 New Vessels Amid South China Sea Tensions
The United States will hand over two new ships to the Philippine navy to boost the U.S. ally’s maritime security capabilities amid tensions in the South China Sea, President Barack Obama announced November 17 in Manila as he kicked off his weeklong visit to Asia
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/us-gives-philippines-two-new-vessels-amid-south-china-sea-tensions
17 NOVEMBER 2015
Remaining Sabah hostage beheaded by Abu Sayyaf in Philippines
Sarawakian Bernard Then, held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terror group, has been killed in the southern Philippines. Then is the first Malaysian hostage to have been beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf
http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/remaining-sabah-hostage-beheaded-abu-sayyaf-philippines
29 OCTOBER 2015
World tribunal to hear South China Sea case
An international tribunal Thursday dealt a blow to China, ruling it had the power to hear a case brought by the Philippines over disputed islands in the South China Sea
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/748180/world-tribunal-to-hear-south-china-sea-case
21 OCTOBER 2015
Vietnam, Philippines to strengthen ties
The foreign ministers of Vietnam and the Philippines have agreed to further strengthen their partnership to maintain peace and stability in the region and secure freedom of navigation.Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario met in Hanoi on Wednesday
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151022_01.html
14 OCTOBER 2015
Philippine army rejects call for negotiations to free hostages who appear in new video held by men with guns and machetes
The Philippine army has rejected demands by Islamist militants to start negotiations for the release of three abducted foreign tourists and a Filipino woman and halt an offensive on a remote southern island
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/1867641/philippine-army-rejects-call-negotiations-free-hostages-who
9 OCTOBER 2015
China completes construction of lighthouses in disputed South China Sea
A completion ceremony was held for the lighthouses on Cuateron Reef and Johnson South Reef in the Spratly islands, Xinhua said late on Friday. The United States and the Philippines have opposed the construction
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-completes-construction-lighthouses-disputed-south-china-sea
19 SEPTEMBER 2015
Filipino sultan who claimed Malaysia’s Sabah state dies
A Philippine sultan whose armed followers invaded a vast Malaysian region in 2013 and sparked a deadly security crisis has died of kidney failure. Sultan Esmail Kiram II died at age 76 late Saturday at a hospital in the southern Philippines
http://asiancorrespondent.com/135686/filipino-sultan-who-claimed-malaysias-sabah-state-dies/
17 AUGUST 2015
Philippines can’t afford full military modernisation: officials
The Philippines can only afford a “frugal” military upgrade, defence officials said Monday, even though maritime tensions with China are growing
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/658596/philippines-can-t-afford-full-military-modernisation-officials
11 AUGUST 2015
Philippine population hits 101.6 M this year
The country’s population is projected to reach 101.6 million this year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/08/11/1486749/philippine-population-hits-101.6-m-year
31 JULY 2015
Aquino endorses interior minister Manuel Roxas as successor
Speaking to Liberal Party (LP) members, allies and supporters, said there is no other person who can continue the reforms that his administration has started but Roxas, whom he called a man of “clear integrity.”
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2015-07/31/content_15298359.html
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/709554/aquino-names-mar-of-the-hour
http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/aquino-endorses-roxas-as-lp-standard-bearer/
21 JULY 2015
Philippines hikes defence budget amid China tensions
The Philippines is planning a 25 per cent hike in its defence budget next year, mainly to bolster its claims in the disputed South China Sea, officials said on Tuesday
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/11753108/Philippines-hikes-defence-budget-amid-China-tensions.html
16 JULY 2015
Philippines to re-open Subic Bay former US base amid China sea row
The Philippines said Thursday it would re-open a former US naval base that was closed more than 20 years ago, stationing its own military hardware at the facility that faces the flashpoint South China Sea.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/phl-reopens-subic-bay-military-000000185.html
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/philippines-open-former-us-amid-china-sea-row-183755548.html
28 JUNE 2015
Top Philippine rebel leader Leoncio Pitao slain
The military confirmed that top New People’s Army (NPA) commander Leoncio Pitao, a.k.a Ka Parago, was killed in an encounter in Barangay Pañalum, Paquibato District in Davao City Sunday afternoon, June 28
http://asiancorrespondent.com/133854/top-philippine-rebel-leader-slain/
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/701548/npa-commander-pitao-tipster-to-get-p5-6m-bounty
24 JUNE 2014
Philippine vice president Jegomar Binay blasts Aquino, declares candidacy
Controversial Philippine vice-president Jejomar Binay on Wednesday angrily lashed out at President Benigno Aquino as he declared his determination to run for president in 2016
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/602804/philippine-vice-president-blasts-aquino-declares-candidacy
http://www.manilatimes.net/aquino-govt-a-failure/194823/#end
16 JUNE 2015
Filipino MILF rebels lay down first arms in peace deal
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) began the first phase of a staggered decommissioning of its weapons on Tuesday (Jun 16), marking the group’s commitment to end the armed conflict that has plagued the region for decades
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippine-rebels/1920364.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33144749
5 JUNE 2015
Philippines may allow Japan’s military to use bases
Manila and Tokyo have agreed to start talks on allowing Japanese military aircraft and naval vessels to use bases in the Philippines for refuelling and picking up supplies, Philippine President Benigno Aquino has said.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/06/philippines-japan-military-bases-150605072014102.html
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/around_asia/AJ201506050050
2 JUNE 2015
Philippines’ highest-ranking communist rebel held
The top communist guerrilla leader in the Philippines has been arrested in a blow to the decades-old Maoist rebellion following the detention of his predecessors last year, officials said Tuesday
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-highest-ranking-communist-rebel-held-military
http://www.manilatimes.net/top-npa-guerrilla-captured-in-cavite/188638/
8 MAY 2015
Japan, Philippines to hold first naval drill in South China Sea: sources
Japan and the Philippines will hold their first joint naval drill this month in the South China Sea near a disputed shoal claimed by Beijing, sources in Tokyo and the Philippines said
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/japan-philippines-hold-first-naval-drill-south-china-sea-sources
5 MAY 2015
Philippines: Why it’s deadly for journalists
Report: Philippines is ranked as the third most deadly country for journalists after Iraq and Syria
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/04/asia/philippines-deadly-for-journalists/index.html
3 MAY 2015
Philippine rebels kill most wanted Islamist militant in south
The Philippines’ most wanted Islamist militant, who escaped after a raid in January that killed 44 police commandos, was killed on Sunday in firefight with Muslim rebels, officials said
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippine-rebels-kill-mo/1822916.html
25 APRIL 2015
US seeks access to eight Philippine bases as part of Asia pivot
The United States has asked for access to Philippine military bases in eight locations to rotate troops, aircraft, and ships as Washington shifts its forces to Asia and as China expands its military presence in the South China Sea
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/476254/news/nation/us-seeks-access-to-philippine-bases-as-part-of-asia-pivot
20 APRIL 2015
Vietnam asked Philippines to form pact to counter China, Aquino reveals
A new “strategic partnership” being negotiated between two states fending off China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea was suggested by Vietnam, Philippine President Benigno Aquino has revealed
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/1771526/vietnam-asked-us-form-strategic-pact-counter-china-philippine
14 APRIL 2015
Fugitive Islamic rebel leader Ameril Umra Kato dies in Philippines
Ameril Umra Kato, who led a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), died early Tuesday after suffering from another cardiac arrest, sources in the rebel group said
http://asiancorrespondent.com/132133/fugitive-islamic-rebel-leader-ameril-umra-kato-dies-in-philippines/
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/529207/philippine-rebel-leader-behind-deadly-rampage-dies
8 APRIL 2015
Public satisfaction with Aquino falls to lowest level
Public satisfaction with Philippines President Benigno Aquino plunged in the first quarter this year to its lowest ever, but half the population still wants to see him finish his term
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Public-satisfaction-with-Aquino-falls-to-lowest-le-73835.html
30 MARCH 2015
Philippines ends major offensive it says killed 139 rebels
The Philippines military chief says a month long offensive against hard-line Muslim rebels in the south has ended after 139 insurgents were killed, 12 others were captured and their bomb-making strongholds were seized by troops
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/philippines-ends-major-offensive-it-says-killed-139-rebels
18 MARCH 2015
New terror group in Philippines coddling regional terrorists
Many Filipinos feared that the government’s peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would give birth to new groups linked to regional and international terror organizations such as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)
http://apdforum.com/en_GB/article/rmiap/articles/online/features/2015/03/18/philippinesterror
16 MARCH 2015
Islamic militant group leader captured in Philippines
Philippine security forces have arrested the head of a small Islamic militant group who was involved in protecting one of the United States’ “most wanted terrorists”, the military said Monday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/498209/islamic-militant-group-leader-captured-in-philippines
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/679271/govt-security-forces-nab-coddler-of-terrorists
28 FEBRUARY 2015
Philippines army and rebel clashes leaves dozens dead
A military assault on rebel fighters in the southern Philippines entered its fifth day on Saturday, with the toll rising to 24 fighters and two soldiers dead, officials said
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/philippines-army-rebel-clashes-leaves-dozens-dead-150228063617025.html
27 FEBRUARY 2015
US sends spy plane to patrol disputed sea
The United States has deployed its newest and most advanced surveillance aircraft for patrols over the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea
ttp://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/us-sends-spy-plane-patrol-disputed-south-china-sea
26 FEBRUARY 2015
François Hollande in Philippines for climate change push
The Aquino government is also warmly embracing Hollande’s trip, the first by a French head of state since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1947, as an endorsement of the Philippines’ maturing democracy.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/26/francois-hollande-in-philippines-for-climate-change-push
http://www.france24.com/en/20150226-hollande-enlists-film-stars-climate-change-push-manila-philippines-marion-cotillard-melanie-laurent/
12 FEBRUARY 2015
Philippine defence minister confirms reports of coup to oust Aquino
Philippines–Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday confirmed reports of a coup plot against President Aquino in the wake of the massacre of 44 elite commandos by Moro rebels that had caused tension in the military and police ranks and demands for Aquino to resign.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Philippine-defence-minister-confirms-reports-of-co-71719.html
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/672649/gazmin-confirms-coup-plot-rich-man-tagged?PageSpeed=noscript
5 JANUARY 2015
Philippines urges China to show respect in South China Sea. Protest rejected by China
The Philippines accused China on Thursday (Feb 5) of ramming Filipino fishing boats off a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, and demanded its powerful neighbour respect its sovereignty over the potential flashpoint territory.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-urges-china/1640354.html
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/nation/2015-02/05/content_15224411.html
29 JANUARY 2015
Philippines, Vietnam upgrade ties in show of unity against China
The Philippines and Vietnam are forging closer ties in a symbolic move after China stepped up activities in disputed areas of the East Sea
http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/philippines-vietnam-upgrade-ties-in-show-of-unity-against-china-38204.html
25 JANUARY 2015
Dozens of police commandos killed in Philippines
More than 30 Philippine police commandos have been killed in a clash with fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while hunting a top criminal suspect in the country’s south, a local official has said
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2015/01/dozens-police-commandos-killed-philippines-150125143349426.html
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/667844/at-least-27-elite-cops-killed-in-clash-with-biff-in-maguindanao-reports
22 JANUARY 2015
China island building ‘threat to all ASEAN’: Philippines
China’s reclamation of land in disputed South China Sea waters is a “threat” to all nations in Southeast Asia, the Philippines’ foreign minister said Thursday
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-island-building-threat-all-asean-philippines
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-slams-china/1608684.html
18 JANUARY 2015
Six millions attend pope’s Mass in Manila
Filipinos estimated in the millions have gathered to join Pope Francis in a religious service in Manila, as the leader of Catholic Church winds down his five-day Philippine visit.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2015/01/millions-gather-pope-mass-manila-201511871929731922.html
http://www.france24.com/en/20150118-pope-celebrates-huge-mass-philippines-urges-world-protect-children/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30869019
15 JANUARY 2015
Millions cheer as pope arrives in Philippines
Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics, has arrived in the Philippines for a five-day trip, seen as an effort to reinforce church membership, and highlight the issue of climate change as he meets victims of Typhoon Haiyan that killed thousands in the country in 2013
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30809472
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2015/01/millions-cheer-as-pope-arrives-philippines-2015115101210685513.html
12 JANUARY 2015
China slams Philippines for criticising island project in South China Sea
China on Monday hit back at the Philippines for criticising Beijing’s ongoing reclamation project in the disputed South China Sea, saying that its actions were within the scope of Chinese sovereignty
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-slams-philippines-criticising-island-project-south-china-sea
16 DECEMBER 2014
Philippines declares Christmas truce with rebels
The Philippine military chief has declared a monthlong suspension of military and police offensives against communist guerrillas in observance of the Christmas holidays, but added that assaults against hard-line Muslim militants would continue.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/aec/Philippine-military-communist-rebels-declare-Chris-30222538.html
7 DECEMBER 2014
China condemns Philippines over disputed sea arbitration
China on Sunday slammed the Philippines for challenging its territorial claims over the South China Sea through international arbitration, refusing to back down just a week before a deadline to respond in the case
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/china-condemns-philippines-over-disputed-sea-arbitration
http://en.people.cn/n/2014/1207/c90883-8819170.html
6 DECEMBER 2014
Daring escape by Swiss hostage in Philippines
A Swiss hostage has escaped from the armed group Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines, after hacking one rebel commander and getting shot as he dashed to freedom, ending more than two years of jungle captivity, security officials said.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/447649/swiss-escapes-philippine-militant-kidnappers
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/12/daring-escape-swiss-hostage-philippines-2014126620353561.html
4 DECEMBER 2014
Amnesty says police torture thriving in Philippines
Torture of suspected criminals by police in the Philippines has thrived under the administration of President Benigno Aquino, human rights monitor Amnesty International said Thursday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/447235/amnesty-says-police-torture-thriving-in-philippines
3 DECEMBER 2014
Manila has ‘nothing to gain’ from military pact with US
A defence pact that Manila and Washington inked early this year serves as only a deterrent to a “shooting war” between the Philippines and China, the Philippines’ Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/manila-has-nothing-gain-military-pact-us
21 NOVEMBER 2014
Manila won’t join US-led fight against ISIS: Aquino
The Philippines, a treaty ally of the United States, will not join the US-led coalition against the militant group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), President Benigno Aquino has said.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Manila-wont-join-US-led-fight-against-ISIS-Aquino-67915.html
4 NOVEMBER 2014
Aquino explains backing Japan’s new self-defense policy
Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Tuesday he is backing the Abe administration’s reinterpretation of the Constitution to be able to exercise the right to collective self-defense
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/04/national/aquino-explains-backing-japans-new-self-defense-policy/#.VFlUAb3LTIU
3 NOVEMBER 2014
Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel to form political party for national election
The head of the Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), will meet his commanders, leaders and supporters Monday here to finalize the organization structure of its political party for the country’s 2016 national elections.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/889705.shtml
17 OCTOBER 2014
Philippine militants release two German hostages
Two German hostages have been freed by the Abu Sayyaf group in the southern Philippines, the Philippines military and the group have said, on the day the group had threatened to kill one of them.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/10/philippines-abu-sayyaf-hostages-2014101713310373157.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29665728
10 SEPTEMBER 2014
Philippine Muslim autonomy submitted
“Allah,” “reserved” and “general supervision of the President” over the Bangsamoro region were among the contentious details that bogged down work on the final draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/636958/peace-in-south-at-hand
Philippines plans to give Muslims autonomous zone
Filipino Muslims affix their signatures on a mock covenant during a rally near the Presidential Palace in support of the Bangsamoro Basic Law draft that was formally submitted by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III to both houses of Congress Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/110915/philippines-plans-to-give-muslims-autonomous-zone
9 SEPTEMBER 2014
Philippine president, Muslim rebels agree on autonomy bill
A Philippine official says the president discreetly met with a Muslim rebel leader last week in Manila and both helped untangle thorny differences over a proposed autonomy law they hope will end decades of bloody rebellion in the south.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/126524/philippine-president-muslim-rebels-agree-on-autonomy-bill/
3 SEPTEMBER 2014
Aquino survives impeachment
Philippines’ House of Representatives vote 54-4 on all three impeachment complaints against the president
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Aquino-survives-impeachment-64083.html
12 AUGUST 2014
The Great South China Sea Clash: China vs. Vietnam
In Asia’s Cauldron, Beijing and Hanoi are playing a dangerous game—and the stakes could not get any higher
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-great-south-china-sea-clash-china-vs-vietnam-11058
30 JULY 2014
Philippines’ Aquino Seeks To Quash Rumors of Military Coup
Philippine President Benigno Aquino sought Wednesday to quash rumors that a coup is being plotted against him, with his spokesman insisting he had the military’s full support
http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140730/DEFREG03/307300025/Philippines-Aquino-Seeks-Quash-Rumors-Military-Coup
26 JULY 2014
Aquino rating 8 points down vs graft
Carried out from June 24 to July 2, the survey showed an 8-point decrease in the proportion of Filipinos approving of the administration’s anticorruption efforts—from 50 percent in March to 42 percent in June
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/623514/aquino-rating-8-points-down-vs-graft
25 JULY 2014
100 millionth Filipino due early Sunday
By the reckoning of a population expert, the Philippine population will hit 100 million at 12:06 a.m. or thereabouts on Sunday
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/623209/100-millionth-filipino-due-early-sunday#ixzz38RL2Rr2k
16 JULY 2014
World Bank hails Philippines as next Asian miracle
Philippine President Aquino on Tuesday received profuse praise from visiting World Bank president Jim Yong Kim, who declared that the Philippines would be the next Asian “miracle”
http://www.asianewsnet.net/World-Bank-hails-Philippines-as-next-Asian-miracle-62382.html
13 JULY 2014
The Philippines offer US$1.5bn to modernize its armed forces
The Philippines has offered a US$1.5 billion budget to defense contractors around the world for phase one of its three-tier armed forces modernization program. It wishes to strengthen its bargaining chips in the dispute over the South China Sea’s disputed territories, reports the US Defense News Weekly.
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140713000038&cid=1101
11 JULY 2014
Australian jihad campaigner arrested in Philippines
An Australian convert to Islam who used the Internet to urge people to join “jihad” in Iraq and Syria was arrested in the Philippines on Friday, local police said
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/australian-jihad-campaigner-arrested-philippines
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/07/philippines-arrests-australian-imam-2014711134919534455.html
5 JULY 2014
Church dares Aquino: Let go of corrupt allies
Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said the investigation into the misuse of state funds should not be selective and should not spare administration allies
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/617135/church-dares-aquino-let-go-of-corrupt-allies
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/419064/philippine-church-leader-tells-bishops-listen-more-condemn-less
5 JULY 2014
Philippines-Vietnam joint commission to deepen defence ties
The Philippines and Vietnam will form a joint commission to create a “strategic partnership”, as the two former Cold War adversaries forge closer defence ties to confront China over its territorial claims in the region
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-vietnam-joint-commission-deepen-defence-ties
4 JULY 2014
Philippine court orders third senator arrested over graft scandal
A Philippine court on Friday ordered the arrest of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the country’s most prominent politicians and the third legislator facing criminal charges in a massive corruption scandal.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippine-court-orders-third-senator-arrested-over-graft-scandal
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616957/juan-ponce-enrile-surrenders
24 JUNE 2014
Aquino backs Abe’s bid to amend Japan charter for stronger military
President Aquino on Tuesday endorsed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to amend Japan’s constitution and expand the Japanese role on regional security amid China’s expansionism moves
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/107009/aquino-backs-japans-larger-military-role
23 JUNE 2014
Son of former Philippines leader Estrada arrested in graft scandal
Philippine police detained on Monday the senator son of former president Joseph Estrada, the second high-profile official arrested within days over a massive corruption scandal
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/416899/son-of-former-philippines-leader-arrested-in-graft-scandal
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/613819/jinggoy-estrada-back-in-pnp-jail
10 JUNE 2014
The Philippines’ Slowly Modernizes its Defense Capabilities
The Philippine economy has been one of the fastest-growing in Asia in recent years, and if there is ever a time for Manila to invest in boosting its military capability, it is now. The Philippines has born the brunt of Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, with standoffs on the Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal, and most recently a land reclamation project on Johnson Atoll. Yet, given decades of neglect, recent modernization efforts by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) look pretty anemic.
http://cogitasia.com/the-philippines-slowly-modernizes-its-defense-capabilities/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cogitasia%2FZCwV+%28cogitASIA+Posts%29
8 JUNE 2014
Vietnam, Philippines navies in first Spratlys games
Filipino and Vietnamese troops played volleyball and football in a contested South China Sea archipelago Sunday, a landmark act of sports diplomacy that both sides said could ease territorial tensions
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/414224/vietnam-philippines-navies-in-first-spratlys-games
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/vietnam-philippines-navies-first-spratlys-games6 JUNE 2014
7 JUNE 2014
Philippines to arrest three powerful senators in corruption scandal
The three, who include a son of former president Joseph Estrada and a 90-year political survivor who enforced martial law under dictator Ferdinand Marcos, are accused of channelling millions of dollars of public funds into bogus organisations in return for huge kickbacks
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-arrest-three-powerful-senators-corruption-scandal
S. Korea donates warship to Manila
South Korea will donate a corvette warship to the poorly-equipped Philippine navy amid growing tensions — particularly with China — over maritime territorial disputes in the region, the government said
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/414039/s-korea-donates-warship-to-manila
4 JUNE 2014
China ordered to submit counter-argument in sea dispute with Philippines by Dec. 15
China has been ordered by the international Arbitral Tribunal handling the maritime dispute case filed by the Philippines to file its counter-memorial, or counter-argument, by Dec. 15, despite its position that it will not participate in the arbitration
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/105670/china-ordered-to-submit-counter-argument-in-sea-dispute-by-dec-15
3 MAY 2014
Communist rebel officer arrested in Philippines
A high-ranking communist rebel officer has been arrested in the Philippines, a military official said on Saturday, amid a surge of deadly clashes between soldiers and the insurgents
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/407981/communist-rebel-officer-arrested-in-philippines
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/communist-rebel-officer-arrested-philippines
1 MAY 2014
Death toll in Philippine assault on militants rises to 26
The Philippines’ military said Thursday the death toll from an assault against Al-Qaeda-linked Islamic militants had risen to 26, with one marine among the dead as troops cleared the combat area
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/407749/death-toll-in-philippine-assault-on-militants-rises-to-26
28 APRIL 2014
Obama seeks to soothe China while boosting ties with Philippines
President Barack Obama said Monday he had no desire to contain or counter China despite clinching a defence pact with the Philippines which will inject US forces close to the volatile South China Sea http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/407024/obama-seeks-to-soothe-china-while-boosting-ties-with-philippines http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-27183976 http://globalnation.inquirer.net/103033/no-firm-commitment-from-us-to-defend-ph
27 APRIL 2014
Philippines agrees to 10-year pact allowing US military presence
The United States and the Philippines have reached a 10-year pact that would allow a larger US military presence in this south-east Asian nation as it grapples with increasingly tense territorial disputes with China, White House officials said on Sunday
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/27/philippines-us-military-presence-china-dispute
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-us-sign-defence-pact
21 APRIL 2014
Suspected communist guerrillas kill Philippine mayor
About 20 men took part in the brazen attack, shooting dead Mayor Carlito Pentecostes in the northern town of Gonzaga and then overpowering officers at the scene, said regional police director Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/405929/suspected-communist-guerrillas-kill-philippine-mayor
http://www.voanews.com/content/gunmen-kill-philippine-mayor/1897553.html
14 APRIL 2014
Philippines unveils new plan to fight persistent poverty
The Philippines Monday announced plans to spend more on infrastructure and introduce other reforms to try to lift millions out of poverty
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-unveils-new-plan-fight-persistent-poverty
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/404953/philippines-unveils-new-plan-to-fight-persistent-poverty
8 APRIL 2014
Philippine top court approves controversial birth control law
Millions of poor people in the Philippines will have access to free contraceptives for the first time after the nation’s top court on Tuesday approved a deeply controversial birth control law
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippine-top-court-approves-controversial-birth-control-law
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/04/philippine-court-upholds-birth-control-law-2014486117854745.html
Filipino rebels form party as they end rebellion
Mohagher Iqbal, a leader of the 11,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said Tuesday that his rebel group’s new political organization, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, would be used as a springboard to contest leadership of a more powerful Muslim autonomous region to be established in the south of the largely Catholic Philippines
http://asiancorrespondent.com/121474/filipino-rebels-form-party-as-they-end-rebell
1 APRIL 2014
3 Philippine senators indicted for plunder
An OMB special panel said Tuesday there was enough basis to hold Philippine Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and several others criminally liable for plunder and graft in connection with the alleged illegal disbursements of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), a discretionary fund in the Philippines available to members of Congress
http://www.asianewsnet.net/3-Philippine-senators-indicted-for-plunder-58738.html
Beijing refuses arbitration on South China Sea issue
China will neither accept nor participate in international arbitration unilaterally pushed forward by the Philippines on the South China Sea disputes, said a commentary published by the state-run People’s Daily on Tuesday
http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140401000069&cid=1101
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/402933/china-says-ties-damaged-by-philippines-un-ruling-call
29 MARCH 2014
Philippine vessel evades China ‘blockade’ of disputed reef
A Philippine re-supply ship evaded a Chinese coastguard blockade in the South China Sea Saturday to reach Filipino soldiers based on a remote reef claimed by both countries, the military said
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/590216/ship-evades-chinese-blockade
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26806924
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/402458/philippine-vessel-evades-china-blockade-of-disputed-reef
28 MARCH 2014
Philippines to defy China, pursue UN case on sea row
The Philippines said Friday it planned to defy Chinese warnings and pursue a case in the United Nations challenging Beijing’s claim to most of the South China Sea
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/402331/philippines-to-defy-china-pursue-un-case-on-sea-row
27 MARCH 2014
Philippine government signs historic peace treaty with separatists
The Philippine government signed a peace accord with the country’s largest Muslim rebel group. It is the culmination of years of negotiations and a significant political achievement for President Benigno Aquino III
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/10726795/Philippine-government-signs-historic-peace-treaty-with-separatists.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/03/philippines-sign-deal-with-muslim-rebels-2014327434188160.html
23 MARCH 2014
Philippine peace prospects dim after arrest of rebel couple
Prospects of reviving peace talks with Philippine communist insurgents have faded following the arrest of a married couple who are senior rebel leaders, officials and analysts said Sunday
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/401348/philippine-peace-prospects-dim-after-arrest-of-rebel-couple
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/588341/with-tiamzons-arrest-its-time-for-npa-to-surrender-afp
22 MARCH 2014
Philippines’ most senior communist rebel held
Communist Party of the Philippines chairman Benito Tiamzon and his wife, the party’s secretary general Wilma Tiamzon, were arrested in a joint police and military operation, military chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista said in a statement.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/588186/red-leaders-captured
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/401232/philippines-most-senior-communist-rebel-held
14 MARCH 2014
Philippines Reaches Consensus on Temporary US Military Facilities
Philippine officials announced that they have reached a “consensus” with the United States on a plan to host temporary U.S. military facilities on Philippine bases. The two countries are in the last stages of negotiations to increase the number of American troop visits each year
http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-reaches-consensus-on-temporary-us-military-facilities/1870967.html
Philippines, Muslim rebels to sign peace treaty on March 27
The terms of the deal, completed in January after drawn-out talks, would see the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) disband its 12,000-member guerrilla force and share power with Manila in the Muslim south of the mainly Catholic nation
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/399907/philippines-muslim-rebels-to-sign-peace-treaty-on-march-27
11 MARCH 2014
Philippines lodges protest over China ship blockade
The Philippines has lodged a protest with China, accusing its coastguard of preventing two civilian vessels reaching sailors on a disputed shoal.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26524388
11 FEBRUARY 2014
Jobless Filipinos hit 12.1 million
The number of unemployed Filipinos in the last quarter of 2013 swelled to more than 12 million, making the 7.2-per-cent growth in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) last year, considered the second-fastest after China, far from inclusive.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Jobless-Filipinos-hit-12-1-million-56957.html
5 FEBRUARY 2014
Philippine president compares China’s expansion to Nazi Germany
The West’s failure to confront China over its increasingly vocal territorial ambitions is similar to the disastrous appeasement of Adolf Hitler in the late 1930s, the Philippine president has claimed.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/10618722/Philippine-president-compares-Chinas-expansion-to-Nazi-Germany.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-26048500
30 JANUARY 2014
Philippine economy grows 7%
The Philippine economy expanded 7.% in 2013 despite a devastating typhoon and a powerful earthquake that slowed performance in the last quarter
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/392355/philippine-economy-grows-despite-disasters
Hong Kong imposes sanctions on Philippines
The current visa-free arrangement for visiting Philippine diplomats and officials will be suspended from February 5, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying told a press conference
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/hong-kong-imposes-sanctions-philippines-20141303748519260.html
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/392396/philippines-stands-firm-in-diplomatic-row-with-hong-kong
29 JANUARY 2014
Philippines says 37 rebels killed in offensive
At least 37 Islamic fighters have been killed in a two-day offensive against insurgents opposed to a new peace deal between the government and the main Muslim rebel group, military officials said Wednesday.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/119044/philippines-says-37-rebels-killed-in-offensive/
27 JANUARY 2014
Philippines launches offensive against rebels
The Philippine military has launched a major offensive against a splinter rebel group, two days after negotiations with the country’s main Muslim rebel group to end a decades-long insurgency that has killed tens of thousands successfully ended
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/philippines-launches-offensive-against-rebels-201412723831805504.html
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/391762/philippine-military-attacks-hardline-muslim-renegades
25 JANUARY 2014
Philippines and Muslim rebels reach agreement
The Philippines has agreed the final section of a peace deal with Muslim rebels fighting a long-running insurgency in the south of the country.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/97735/govt-milf-seal-accord
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-25896408
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/391486/philippines-muslim-rebels-clear-final-peace-deal-hurdle
17 JANUARY 2014
Foreign investment key to Philippine growth in 2014
The Philippine economy is likely to register a GDP growth rate of 7 per cent in 2013. This comes even after many challenging events throughout the year, including the US tapering announcement, territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea with China, and the calamities that hit several areas in the central and southern Philippines.
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2014/01/17/foreign-investment-key-to-philippine-growth-in-2014/
15 JANUARY 2014
Philippines seeks US ships to counter China
The Philippines has said it wants to acquire two more navy ships from the US to boost its maritime protection amid military threats from China, according to the country’s military chief.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/01/philippines-gains-more-us-navy-ships-20141157811844465.html
11 JANUARY 2014
Philippines, Vietnam condemn China’s fishing law
The Philippines and Vietnam condemned a new Chinese law that requires foreign fishermen to seek Beijing’s approval to operate in much of the South China Sea, but China’s Foreign Ministry insisted it has the right do so. http://asiancorrespondent.com/118205/philippines-vietnam-condemn-chinas-fishing-law/
31 DECEMBER 2013
PHL-China relations in 2014: How to navigate the West Philippine Sea disputes
The year 2013 was, by all means, a challenging period for Philippine-China relations. Despite earlier hopes that a new Chinese administration, under President Xi Jinping, would positively change the complexion of bilateral relations, we have instead seen an escalation in maritime tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/341702/opinion/blogs/phl-china-relations-in-2014-how-to-navigate-the-west-philippine-sea-disputes#!
20 DECEMBER 2013
Philippine mayor killed at Manila airport
Ukol Talumpa, the mayor of the town of Labangan in Zamboanga del Sur province, was killed together with his wife, an 18-month-old baby and one other person, Al Jazeera’s Jamela Alindogan reported from Manila on Friday.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/12/philippines-mayor-killed-at-manila-airport-201312205187710448.html
http://www.voanews.com/content/philippine-mayor-three-others-killed-at-manila-airport/1814248.html
13 DECEMBER 2013
‘Killing of journalists a nat’l catastrophe’
An international human rights watchdog has urged President Aquino to declare the deadly attacks on Filipino journalists a “national catastrophe,” saying that the situation “threatens civil liberties” in the country.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/545429/killing-of-journalists-a-natl-catastrophe
8 DECEMBER 2013
Philippines, Muslim rebels sign ‘power sharing’ accord
The Philippine government and Muslim rebels on Sunday signed a crucial power sharing accord, paving the way for a final peace agreement aimed at ending a decades-long insurgency that has killed tens of thousands.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-muslim-rebels-sign-%E2%80%98power-sharing%E2%80%99-accord
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/10504080/Philippines-rebel-deal-could-end-decades-long-bloody-insurgency.html
6 DECEMBER 2013
China pulls out of UN process over territorial dispute with Philippines
China is taking the highly unusual step of refusing to participate in a United Nations arbitration process over a territorial conflict with the Philippines, one of five countries challenging Beijing’s claims of ownership over the oil-rich South China Sea.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/06/china-territorial-dispute-philippines
13 NOVEMBER 2013
Typhoon Haiyan: children at risk of abuse and trafficking
With aid running short and near anarchy in the hardest-hit areas, the estimated two million children affected by the monster storm are its most vulnerable victims, Save the Children warns
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/10447457/Typhoon-Haiyan-children-at-risk-of-abuse-and-trafficking.html
11 NOVEMBER 2013
Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines declares state of calamity
The Philippine President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity to speed relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24901993
http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/11/philippines-tens-of-millions-affected-by-typhoon-haiyan-as-president-declares-state-of-calamity/
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/11/philippines-state-national-calamity-2013111116128730244.html
10 NOVEMBER 2013
Philippines reels from Typhoon Haiyan havoc
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has promised that help is on the way for the hundreds of thousands hit by Typhoon Haiyan, as the death toll was expected to reach 10,000 in one province alone.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/11/philippine-leader-pledges-help-after-typhoon-201311109527746483.html
http://www.euronews.com/2013/11/10/death-toll-in-philippines-after-typhoonhaiyan-more-than-10000/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/nov/10/philippines-typhoon-haiyan-survivors-in-pictures#/?picture=422109427&index=12
7 NOVEMBER 2013
A strategic pearl for US-Philippine ties
Manila’s development of Oyster Bay has been driven in part by rising traffic at Subic Bay, particularly as more American battleships drop anchors at its piers. According to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), 72 US warships and submarines visited Subic between January and June this year. That figure compares with 88 US naval vessel visits in 2012, 54 in 2011 and 51 in 2010. The figures exclude port calls made in Manila and other ports outside Subic.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-071113.html
5 NOVEMBER 2013
Hong Kong warns Manila of sanctions over hostage tragedy
Hong Kong threatened the Philippines with sanctions on Tuesday if there’s no progress in talks over an apology for families of tourists killed while vacationing in Manila three years ago. http://asiancorrespondent.com/115344/hk-warns-manila-of-sanctions-over-hostage-tragedy/ http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/11/hong-kong-gives-philippines-sanctions-warning-20131156552579778.html
24 OCTOBER 2013
South China Sea: Manila backtracks on accusing Beijing of “imperialism”
Philippine President Aquino withdraws allegations that China wants to build on the Scarborough Shoal, a group of disputed islands . A sudden change of direction, which threatens to undermine the credibility of the executive long at loggerheads with Beijing. In recent days, short face-to- face meeting between Aquino and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/South-China-Sea:-Manila-backtracks-on-accusing-Beijing-of-imperialism”-29360.html
23 OCTOBER 2013
Taipei and Manila set up fishery hotline in bilateral talks: MOFA
Taiwan and the Philippines have officially established a hotline to facilitate two-way communication in the event of future fishing incidents as both sides concluded a fresh round of bilateral fishery talks in Taipei yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said. http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/foreign-community/2013/10/23/391937/Taipei-and.htm
20 OCTOBER 2013
Philippine ‘sultan’ who launched Sabah incursion dies
Jamalul Kiram III, 75 — who described himself as the “Sultan of Sulu” after a group of islands in the southern Philippines — died at a government hospital but remained defiant to the end, his wife, Fatima Kiram said.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/375482/philippine-ultan-who-launched-sabah-incursion-dies
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/88357/heir-of-sulu-sultanate-dies
12 OCTOBER 2013
US Warns Of Mindanao Terrorist Threats
The United States embassy in Manila yesterday warned US citizens of a “series of credible security threats” in the southern Philippines region of Mindanao.
http://www.eurasiareview.com/12102013-us-warns-mindanao-terrorist-threats/
3 OCTOBER 2013
Former President Arroyo, 3 Cabinet men charged with plunder
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, three of her Cabinet secretaries and 20 others were charged with plunder in the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday for allegedly stealing P900 million from the Malampaya Fund meant for impoverished victims of back-to-back storms in 2009.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/500161/arroyo-3-cabinet-men-charged-with-plunder
Philippines fails to reach deal with US over increased military presence
Discussions over proposals to expand the American military’s presence in the Philippines failed to reach a deal, Filipino officials said Thursday, a day after US President Barack Obama called off a Manila visit.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-fails-reach-deal-us-over-increased-military-presence
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/372903/philippines-says-deal-on-wider-us-role-needs-more-work
30 SEPTEMBER 2013
Coordinated MNLF attack shows Misuari’s hand
The separate but coordinated moves of five rebel commanders from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction led by Nur Misuari betrayed Misuari’s hand in the deadly attack on Zamboanga City, the military said
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/498307/coordinated-mnlf-attack-shows-misuaris-hand-afp#ixzz2gPkVrz3Q
28 SEPTEMBER 2013
Miss Philippines crowned Miss World amid Muslim anger
Miss Philippines is crowned Miss World 2013 in a glittering finale on the Indonesian resort island of Bali amid tight security following weeks of hardline Muslim protests.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/miss-philippines-crowned-miss-world-amid-muslim-anger
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2013/09/27/2714291/miss-world-2013-winner-revealed.html
27 SEPTEMBER 2013
Philippines military frees final hostages, still pursuing rebels
Efforts to negotiate the hostages’ release failed, resulting in intense bursts of fighting that had left 158 people dead as of Thursday, including 125 members of the MNLF, the government-run Philippines News Agency said.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippine-troops-rescue-last-hostages-kill-15-muslim-rebels
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/27/world/asia/philippines-standoff/index.html?hpt=ias_c2
22 SEPTEMBER 2013
Aquino to charge Philippine rebel leader over city attack
Philippines – President Benigno Aquino vowed Sunday to bring criminal charges against Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari for a deadly attack on a major southern Philippine city that left hundreds dead or injured.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/aquino-charge-philippine-rebel-leader-over-city-attack
16 SEPTEMBER 2013
Philippine airstrike hits rebels in Zamboanga
The Philippine armed forces have launched a helicopter airstrike as part of their ongoing assault at Muslim rebels occupying parts of a major southern city, stepping up efforts to end an eight-day standoff that has left dozens dead.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/09/20139165552136175.html
14 SEPTEMBER 2013
Philippine clashes rage despite truce effort
Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay has headed to the southern city of Zamboanga in a bid to broker a truce with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters holding scores of civilian hostages while locked in a deadly stand-off with government forces.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/09/201391444458212495.html
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/487263/govt-misuari-agree-on-ceasefire-starting-saturday-midnight-says-binay
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24089553
10 SEPTEMBER 2013
Fighting rages amid Philippine hostage crisis
Troops in the Philippines have surrounded six villages in the south of the country where hundreds of fighters linked to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are holding at least 170 hostages.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/09/20139106147258221.html
http://www.euronews.com/2013/09/10/new-clashes-between-islamic-rebels-and-philippine-government-forces/
9 SEPTEMBER 2013
Philippine rebels take hundreds hostage
At least 200 people have been taken hostage in southern Philippines after rebels rampaged through coastal communities, leaving at least six people dead, local news reports say.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/09/2013990014907480.html
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/philippines/2013/09/10/388579/200-Filipino.htm
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/484401/mnlf-storms-zamboanga-city-leaves-6-dead
9 SEPTEMBER 2013
More US boots on Philippine soil
The Philippines has provisionally agreed to allow for stronger US military presence on its soil
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-090913.html
6 SEPTEMBER 2013
Women in Philippine politics
If women comprise half of the population, an equitable situation in politics would be one where half of elective positions are occupied by women. But the actual figures in the Philippines show we’re a long way off from that equity. In 1998, only 16.2 per cent of elected officials (including the president and vice president and Congress and local government officials, down to city and municipal levels) were women.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/Women-in-Philippine-politics-51279.html
3 SEPTEMBER 2013
Manila, Beijing, and UNCLOS : a test case ?
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/World/WOR-01-030913.html
3 SEPTEMBER 2013
Manila Accuses China of Building on Disputed Reef
The Philippines says it has spotted dozens of concrete blocks it believes may be the beginning of a Chinese construction project on a disputed group of reefs in the South China Sea.
http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-accuses-china-of-building-on-disputed-reef/1742128.html
1 SEPTEMBER 2013
France drops Philippines from tax blacklist
The Philippines has been removed from the French government’s blacklist of noncooperative countries for their tax policies.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/france-drops-philippines-tax-blacklist
30 AUGUST 2013
Philippine radio commentator gunned down
A popular radio commentator known for being critical of alleged corruption and rising crime in a southern Philippine city has been killed by a gunman, police said Friday.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/112688/philippine-radio-commentator-gunned-down/
29 AUGUST 2013
Philippines says China withdraws Aquino invite
The Philippine government said that China has withdrawn an invitation to President Benigno Aquino III to visit a trade fair in an apparent snub as the two countries are locked in a territorial dispute.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/112633/philippines-says-china-withdraws-invite-for-aquino/ http://www.voanews.com/content/china-asks-philippine-president-to-cancel-visit-manila/1739294.html
26 AUGUST 2013
Filipinos Protest Government Corruption
Across the Philippines on Monday, “National Heroes Day,” tens of thousands of people turned out to demonstrate against discretionary funds given to lawmakers that critics say are not being used as intended and instead are funneled to corrupt organizations..
http://www.voanews.com/content/filipinos-protest-government-corruption/1736852.html
21 AUGUST 2013
‘Million people march’ vs pork spreads like Arab Spring
A social media initiative calling for a “million people march to Luneta” to demand the scrapping of the lawmakers’ pork barrel is shaping up as a sort of an Arab Spring spreading across the Philippine archipelago—from Baguio in the north to Davao in the south.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/470567/million-people-march-vs-pork-spreads-like-arab-spring
20 AUGUST 2013
Floods in the Philippines – in pictures
Flooding caused by some of the heaviest rains on record in the Philippines submerged more than half its capital, Manila, turning roads into rivers and trapping tens of thousands of people in homes and shelters
http://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2013/aug/20/floods-philippines-in-pictures
12 AUGUST 2013
US to increase Philippines presence
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the longtime allies had already agreed in principle to allow a bigger US military presence in the Philippines.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/364262/philippines-wants-to-use-more-us-military-assets
8 AUGUST 2013
Philippines to start talks with US on greater military presence
The Philippines said it would soon start talks on expanding US access to its bases, a move that would result in a greater presence of American troops in the country amid rising tensions with China.
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/philippines-start-talks-us-greater-military-presence
6 AUGUST 2013
Philippines adds 2nd major warship to fleet
The Philippines on Tuesday celebrated the arrival of a decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutter as its second major warship to challenge China’s massive territorial claims that Filipino officials say have intruded into their country’s potentially oil-rich offshore seas.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/111582/philippines-adds-2nd-major-warship-to-fleet/
3 AUGUST 2013
Philippines acquiring French vessel for West Philippines Sea
The Philippines said Saturday it is purchasing a surplus French Navy vessel to boost its forces in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) where it has an ongoing territorial dispute with China.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320461/news/nation/phl-acquiring-french-vessel-for-west-phl-sea
27 JULY 2013
Japan’s Abe vows maritime help to Philippines amid China row
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged increased maritime cooperation with the Philippines on Saturday amid growing territorial disputes with regional rival China. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/japan-s-abe-vows-maritime/758032.html
22 JULY 2013
Thousands of farmers to get plots of Aquino family farm
Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Monday that work would start in weeks to divide his family’s giant sugar plantation between thousands of peasant farmers, ending a decades-long struggle for control.
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130722-439150.html
Thousands protest in Philippines
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in the Philippines Monday to demand better jobs, more inclusive growth and the protection of human rights ahead of President Benigno Aquino III’s state of the union address.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/361026/thousands-protest-ahead-of-philippine-president-speech
http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/22/19615756-filipino-protesters-demand-more-as-president-delivers-address?lite
18 JULY 2013
New reef rift hits China-Philippines ties
A fraught naval stand-off between a modern Chinese flotilla and a rusty Philippine hospital ship over a South China Sea shoal is undermining supposed regional progress towards a binding code of conduct over the waters. With Beijing’s military focused on fortifying its positions and Manila loathe to lose its gateway to untapped energy reserves, neither side is likely to back down. http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-180713.html
14 JULY 2013
Philippines and MILF rebels in wealth-sharing deal
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will receive 75% of the gold, copper and other resources mined from the southern island. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23305339 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/07/201371473745138809.html
9 JULY 2013
Church begins final Philippine birth control battle
A relentless Catholic Church campaign to derail a birth control law in the Philippines entered its final phase at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, with the verdict to have a monumental impact on millions of poor Filipinos. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130709-435987.html
8 JULY 2013
The Joseph Estrada’s political comeback
After his unceremonial ouster as Philippine president in 2001, Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada has once again been elected to public office, this time as mayor of Manila, the country’s capital. http://thediplomat.com/asean-beat/2013/07/08/joseph-estradas-political-comeback/
6 JULY 2013
Philippine communists vow revenge for slain spokesman
Communist insurgents Saturday promised revenge after Philippine soldiers killed their regional spokesmen along with seven other rebels in the latest operation against the militants since talks to end one of Asia’s longest running insurgencies collapsed. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130706-435213.html
5 JULY 2013
Philippines aims to nearly halve poverty by 2016
Nearly 28 percent of the country’s 97 million people live below the poverty line and the government’s aim is to reduce that to 16.6 percent within the next three years. http://asiancorrespondent.com/110282/philippines-aims-to-nearly-halve-poverty-by-2016/
4 JULY 2013
Antidivorce law looms in 16th Congress
Divorce could be one of the major battles in the 16th Congress, with the early refiling of a bill that opposes it and the declaration by its advocates that they will press its adoption in the Philippines. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/437951/antidivorce-law-looms-in-16th-congress
1 JULY 2013
Philippine president vows to rebuild air force by 2016
Philippine President Benigno Aquino vowed on Monday to acquire fighter jets, air defence radar and other equipment within three years to bolster the country’s weak air force, amid a territorial dispute with China. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/357802/philippine-president-vows-to-rebuild-air-force-by-2016 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/436579/aquino-vows-to-beef-up-philippines-air-power
24 JUNE 2013
China rejects Philippines’ illegal seizure of Ren’ai Reef: Chinese FM spokeswoman
China will not tolerate the seizure of the Ren’ai Reef, also known as the Second Thomas Shoal, which the country claims as its indisputable territory, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said Monday. http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20130625000097&cid=1101
18 JUNE 2013
Philippines, Taiwan on way to mending relations
The Philippines and Taiwan are on the way to restoring their good relations after Friday’s breakthrough fishery meeting aimed at preventing the recurrence of violent confrontations in overlapping waters, Manila’s representative to Taipei said Monday. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/77821/ph-taiwan-on-way-to-mending-relations
6 JUNE 2013
Philippines’ Enrile Quits as Senate President, Blasts Colleagues
The Philippine Senate’s Marathon Man, Juan Ponce Enrile, had been expected to be ousted from his post as Senate president after the May 13 election when forces aligned with President Benigno S. Aquino III became a majority. But probably nobody expected the 89-year-old lawmaker to go out with such an astonishing burst of acrimony, comparing himself to Jesus Christ being “crucified” by his enemies. http://asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5478&Itemid=187
29 MAY 2013
Philippine airline cancels Taiwan flights amid row
One of the Philippines’ biggest airlines said Wednesday it had cancelled the planned launch of a new Taiwan route because of tensions over a Taiwanese fishermen being killed by the Filipino coastguard. http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Relax/Story/A1Story20130529-426003.html
25 MAY 2013
Taiwan has new terms vs The Philippines
The government of Taiwan on Saturday imposed new conditions that would further delay the Philippines’ investigation of the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino coast guards three weeks ago. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/75667/taiwan-has-new-terms
23 MAY 2013
China sent warship to break Philippine control of reef: Global Times
China sent a warship to a shoal in the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea earlier this month because it was trying to stop the Philippines from trying to assert de facto control of the reef, according to the Global Times, a tabloid under the auspices of the Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily. http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20130523000150&cid=1101
23 MAY 2013
Taiwan stops hiring Filipino workers
Taiwan is refusing to hire new workers from the Philippines after the country’s coast guard shot dead a Taiwanese fisherman. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/05/201352324951266483.html
21 MAY 2013
Aquino: We can fight back vs any threat
Faced with territorial disputes and worries of external and internal threats, President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday claimed that the Philippines can fight back and defend itself within its bounds. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/75177/philippines-protests-chinese-warships-presence
19 MAY 2013
Watchdog says 2013 Philippine elections worse than 2010
The recently concluded 2013 automated elections were worse than the 2010 exercise because of the bigger number of errors and the “arbitrary and highly irregular decisions” which compromised the elections’ credibility and transparency, according to a poll watchdog group. http://www.asianewsnet.net/Watchdog-says-2013-Philippine-elections-worse-than-46863.html
15 MAY 2013
Taiwan recalls Philippine envoy over shooting
Taiwan has recalled its ambassador to the Philippines and announced it has frozen the hiring of Philippine workers to protest against the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman, rejecting an apology over the incident as inadequate. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/05/201351544057410475.html
14 MAY 2013
Aquino strengthened after midterm elections
President Benigno Aquino on Tuesday secured big wins in midterm elections seen as vital to his ambitious reform agenda, but the success of famous, graft-tainted rivals raised alarm. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/409297/aquino-strengthened-after-midterm-elections
Joseph Estrada elected mayor of Manila
Joseph Estrada, the former Philippine president who was overthrown 12 years ago in a popular uprising, has been elected mayor of the capital, Manila. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22525032 http://asiancorrespondent.com/107633/philippines-former-president-estrada-wins-manila-mayor-race/ http://www.euronews.com/2013/05/14/philippines-estrada-elected-mayor-of-manila/
7 MAY 2013
Philippine Midterms: Referendum on Church Power
The election, a midterm test halfway through the six-year presidential term of Benigno S. Aquino, is expected to be pivotal for several reasons. The most important is that it is a major test of the power of the Catholic Church against the popularity of Aquino over the historic Reproductive Health Act signed into law in January after being stalled for 14 years by church opposition http://asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5397&Itemid=187
4 MAY 2013
Palace rues PH tag as 3rd worst place for journalists
Malacañang is not elated by reports that the country remains the third worst place for journalists. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/73535/palace-rues-ph-tag-as-3rd-worst-place-for-journalists
26 APRIL 2013
China slams Philippines over disputed islands
China on Friday hit out at the Philippines’ attempt to seek an international verdict on a territorial dispute over islands in the South China Sea, repeating that it would never give up its claims. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/china-slams-philippines-over-disputed-is/654032.html
10 APRIL 2013
Philippines Files Charges Against Chinese Ship Stuck on Reef
Philippine officials say 12 fishermen who were onboard a suspected Chinese ship are facing the first of several charges after their vessel got stuck on a major protected reef in the southwestern Philippines far from reefs and islands in the South China Sea that are contested by China. http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-files-charges-against-chinese-ship-that-got-stuck-in-protected-reef/1638419.html
19 MARCH 2013
Philippine top court halts contraceptives law
The Philippine Supreme Court has temporarily halted the implementation of a law opposed by the dominant Roman Catholic Church that provides state funding for contraceptives. http://asiancorrespondent.com/102614/philippine-top-court-halts-contraceptives-law/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21842167
9 MARCH 2013
21 Filipino UN peacekeepers seized in Syria arrive safe in Amman
The United Nations welcomed the release on Saturday of 21 Filipino peacekeepers, who had been seized by Syrian rebels on the Golan Heights, as they crossed to freedom in Jordan after a three-day ordeal. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/298564/pinoyabroad/news/21-filipino-un-peacekeepers-seized-in-syria-arrive-safe-in-amman?ref=bannerh1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21725991
8 MARCH 2013
Philippines: HRW condemns extrajudicial killing of activist mother
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for swift justice following the gunning down of an activist and mother of three in Davao City in the Philippines earlier this week. http://asiancorrespondent.com/100807/hrw-philippines-activist-cristina/
7 MARCH 2013
Philippines demands Syrian rebels release UN troops
The Philippines on Thursday strongly condemned the hostage-taking of 21 Filipino UN peacekeepers by Syrian rebels in the Golan Heights ceasefire zone and demanded their immediate release. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130307-407070.html
6 MARCH 2013
Power of the Catholic Church slipping in Philippines
About 80 percent of Filipinos are Catholic, and they traditionally looked to the church for political and moral guidance. Recent reforms, however, are overriding church positions. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2013/0306/Power-of-the-Catholic-Church-slipping-in-Philippines?nav=104-csm_subcategory-topStories
5 MARCH 2013
Malaysia bombs armed Filipino group in Sabah
Malaysian troops backed by fighter jets have attacked an armed Filipino group, trying to end a standoff on Borneo island after violence that killed at least 27 people and sparked fears of broader insecurity in the resource-rich region. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/03/2013355257319682.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/mar/05/malaysian-forces-attack-armed-filipino-group
3 MARCH 2013
Five Malaysian cops killed in firefight with Filipinos in Sabah standoff
Five members of the Malaysian security forces have been killed in a firefight in Sabah with an armed group believed to be among the Filipino followers of the Sulu Sultanate Saturday night http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/297457/news/nation/five-malaysian-cops-killed-in-firefight-with-pinoys-in-sabah-standoff-reports?ref=bannerh1 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/03/2013336814161699.html http://globalnation.inquirer.net/66539/fighting-in-sabah-rages
1 MARCH 2013
Malaysia raids Sabah village to end deadlock
Twelve followers of a self-described Philippine Sultan died in a shootout with Malaysian security forces Friday, police said, as tensions ratcheted up in their 17-day standoff http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/03/20133141728737880.html http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20130301-405701.html
27 FEBRUARY 2013
Sulu sultan defies Aquino
President Aquino yesterday warned Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III he would face the “full force of the law”—possibly including arrest—unless he withdrew his armed followers from Sabah, Malaysia, but the sultan was defiant, saying his men were staying put in the disputed territory. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/65749/sulu-sultan-defies-aquino
25 FEBRUARY 2013
Philippines Martial Law Victims to Receive Reparations
Philippine President Benigno Aquino signed into law Monday legislation that would recognize and compensate victims of human rights abuses during martial law under former President Ferdinand Marcos http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-martial-law-victims-to-receive-reparations/1610111.html
22 FEBRUARY 2013
China strategy for the Pilippines
The standoff in the Scarborough Shoal between China and the Philippines not only demonstrated Manila’s commitment to defend its maritime territory, but also Beijing’s determination to maintain its territorial aspirations at all costs. Knowing what strings to pull to pressure the Philippines, Beijing engaged in a series of de facto economic reprisals http://www.sharnoffsglobalviews.com/china-strategy-for-the-philippines/
19 FEBRUARY 2013
Filipinos’ standoff in Borneo linked to peace deal with Muslim rebels
The peculiar standoff on Borneo between Malaysian security forces and a group of men from the southern Philippines has its roots in a recent landmark peace deal between Manila and Muslim rebels, according to an expert on the region. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/18/world/asia/malaysia-philippines-standoff/index.html?hpt=ias_c2
Sultan: Hold your ground
Saying there was no turning back, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III has declared that his followers who crossed into the town of Lahad Datu in the Malaysian state of Sabah this month were staying put to reclaim their ancestral homeland. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/64851/sultan-hold-your-ground
18 FEBRUARY 2013
Filipinos refuse to end Borneo standoff
Followers of a Philippine sultan who crossed to the Malaysian state of Sabah this month will not leave and are reclaiming the area as their ancestral territory, the sultan has said amid a tense standoff. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/02/201321824845491993.html http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/295486/news/regions/sabah-standoff-a-result-of-peace-pact-with-milf-sulu-sultan-claims?ref=bannerh1
17 FEBRUARY 2013
Sulu sultan won’t budge
Undaunted amidst mounting pressure from both the Philippine and Malaysian governments, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, the acknowledged leader of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo insisted that his royal decree that authorised the presence of his younger brother, crown prince Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin Kiram and the combined civilian and armed followers in Lahad Datu, Sabah. http://www.asianewsnet.net/Sulu-sultan-won’t-budge-42844.html
15 FEBRUARY 2013
Filipino gunmen to leave Malaysia territory if demands are met
A group of close to 100 Filipinos, who are in a standoff with Malaysian authorities after forcing out villagers from Kampung Tanduao, is claiming to be the royal armed forces of the Sulu Sultanate. They also want to stay put in Sabah, an area they are laying claim to, and not be deported to the Philippines. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/15/world/asia/malaysia-philippines-standoff/index.html?hpt=ias_c1 http://www.asianewsnet.net/Filipino-gunmen-to-leave-Msia-territory-if-demands-42775.html http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20130215-402284.html http://globalnation.inquirer.net/64577/heirs-of-sultan-of-sulu-pursue-sabah-claim-on-their-own
11 FEBRUARY 2013
Philippines’ Aquino visits rebel stronghold
Philippines: Philippine President Benigno Aquino paid a historic visit Monday to Muslim rebel territory in a bid to speed up efforts to end one of Asia’s longest and deadliest insurgencies. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1253538/1/.html http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/294388/news/nation/pnoy-visits-milf-in-former-battleground-in-maguindanao?ref=topstories
1 FEBRUARY 2013
China opposes taking sea disputes to UN: FM
China has reiterated its opposition to the Philippines’ request to take South China Sea disputes to a UN tribunal, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday. http://www.chinamedia.com/news/2013/02/01/china-opposes-taking-sea-disputes-to-un-fm/
26 JANUARY 2013
The Philippine story: ‘Sick man of Asia’ now transforming, revitalized, dynamic
President Benigno Aquino III has pitched to the international investor community the Philippine story of transformation from being a “sick man of Asia” into one dynamic country bucking a global economic downturn. http://business.inquirer.net/104483/the-philippine-story-sick-man-of-asia-now-transforming-revitalized-dynamic
23 JANUARY 2013
Manila wants to take Beijing before a UN tribunal over the South China Sea
The Filipino government Manila has exhausted “almost all political and diplomatic avenues” to resolve the dispute over the Scarborough Shoal. Ready to provide technical support, UN wants a peaceful solution between the parties. http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Manila-wants-to-take-Beijing-before-a-UN-tribunal-over-the-South-China-Sea-26946.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21163507 http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/01/23/world/north-korea-angered-over-u-n-rocket-vote/
22 JANUARY 2013
Philippines takes China to UN tribunal
The Philippines has taken the step of bringing its West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) territorial disputes to China before an Arbitral Tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the disputes, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario announced. http://www.asianewsnet.net/Philippines-takes-China-to-UN-tribunal-41801.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21137144
8 JANUARY 2013
Clouds gather over Mindanao peace deal
This month will mark the first 100 days after the historic signing of the Bangsamoro Peace Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The agreement has been widely touted as a great leap forward toward ending armed conflict in the region through the creation of a new political entity, known as the Bangsamoro regional government, that will replace the existing five-province Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). That optimism waned somewhat after the 12,000 strong MILF announced that it would not lay down its arms until the new http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/OA09Ae01.html
3 JANUARY 2013
The Philippines the big surprise
The Philippine GDP growth rate for 2012 is now estimated to be 6 per cent, which exceeds many earlier consensus forecasts of around 5 per cent. http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2013/01/03/the-philippines-2013-outlook/
2 JANUARY 2013
Philippine communist rebels call off truce
Communist rebels in the Philippines have called off a truce with the government, almost two weeks ahead of schedule, raising concerns about the future of peace talks. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/01/20131284554693970.html
29 DECEMBER 2012
Philippines contraception law signed by Benigno Aquino
Philippines President Benigno Aquino has signed into law a bill providing for free access to contraception and family planning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20863691 http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/12/2012122992824125192.html http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/331523/rh-desaparecidos-bills-now-laws
27 DECEMBER 1012
A delayed take-off
The Philippines is finally picking up economic momentum, but this rapid growth has passed over the vast majority of the poor http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/6f0d5036-4443-11e2-932a-00144feabdc0.html?goback=%2Egde_1972950_member_202857748#axzz2HekwaLbK
25 DECEMBER 2012
Top Philippine communist rebel arrested
The arrest of Filemon Mendrez, the country’s sixth most-wanted man, comes amid a Christmas ceasefire and as the government and rebels are engaged in high-level peace talks aimed at ending one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1244470/1/.html
20 DECEMBER 2012
Philippine government, rebels agree on truce
The Philippine government and communist rebels have agreed on a nationwide truce to help restart peace talks to end one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/94036/philippine-government-rebels-agree-on-truce/
18 DECEMBER 2012
Philippine Catholics oppose birth-control law
Philippine Catholic leaders have vowed to overturn a birth-control bill after legislators passed landmark legislation to make sex education and contraceptives more widely available.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/12/20121218133758769401.html
17 DECEMBER 2012
Aquino issues Executive Order on Moro transition
President Aquino on Monday 17 issued an executive order creating a commission that will hammer out a proposed law creating a new autonomous government in Mindanao, the next step to fulfilling an agreement with Moro guerrillas who had given up separatism for broader self-rule.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/326573/aquino-issues-eo-on-moro-transition
7 DECEMBER 2012
Death toll over 500 in the Philippines following typhoon
Rescuers were digging through mud and debris Friday to retrieve more bodies strewn across a farming valley in the southern Philippines by a powerful typhoon. The death toll from the storm has surpassed 500, with more than 400 people missing. http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/07/15752731-death-toll-over-500-in-the-philippines-following-typhoon?lite
30 NOVEMBER 2012
Philippines criticises ‘dictatorial’ China
The Philippines has accused China of being “dictatorial” over plans to keep ships stationed in the disputed Scarborough Shoal area of the South China Sea
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/9714430/Philippines-criticises-dictatorial-China.html
29 NOVEMBER 2012
Philippines will not stamp new Chinese passport
The Philippines has become the latest country to say it will not stamp visas in a new Chinese passport because it includes a map of the South China Sea that Manila says shows its territor
http://asiancorrespondent.com/92683/philippines-will-not-stamp-new-chinese-passport/ http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-vietnam-refuse-to-stamps-new-chinese-passport/1554884.html
28 NOVEMBER 2012
Manila, booming economy: growth exceeds (also) the estimates
The figure for the third quarter (July/September) showed a 7.1% increase compared to the same period in 2011. From “the sick man of Asia”, the Philippines have become “the region’s diamond.” The country is among the top 10 in the world in 2012 for economic growth. Mindanao opens investment after the agreement between the government and the MILF
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Manila,-booming-economy:-growth-exceeds-(also)-the-estimates-26476.html
22 NOVEMBER 2012
Philippines Protests Depiction of Disputed Islands on New Chinese Passports
The Philippines is protesting China’s depiction of its claims over the entire South China Sea in an image of a map printed on new Chinese passports.
http://www.voanews.com/content/philippines-protests-depiction-of-disputed-islands-on-new-chinese-passports/1550883.
html http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/11/201211229560658870.html
4 NOVEMBER 2012
Sea dispute to be raised at ASEM: Aquino
Philippine President Benigno Aquino said on Sunday his country would raise overlapping claims to the South China Sea during a summit of Asian and European leaders in Laos this wee
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1235211/1/.html
22 OCTOBER 2012
Misuari to followers: Armed option remains
Moro leader Nur Misuari on Sunday told his followers here that armed struggle remained an option for the Moro National Liberation Front to advance the cause of the Bangsamoro people even if the MNLF signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/293208/misuari-mnlf-keeping-options-for-armed-struggle-open
21 OCTOBER 2012
Philippines stop to celebrate new saint, Pedro Calungsod
Millions followed the canonisation Mass celebrated by the pope in St Peter’s Square. All of the country’s parishes join in the celebration with Masses, processions and prayer vigil. Martyred in 1672 at only 17, Saint Pedro is loved by young Filipinos who have chosen him as their patron saint.
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Philippines-stop-to-celebrate-new-saint,-Pedro-Calungsod-26158.html
19 OCTOBER 2012
Chinese officials to hold talks in Manila
Deputy foreign ministers from China and the Philippines will meet in Manila on Friday 19 in their first official high-level talks since the row over Huangyan Island began in April
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-10/19/content_15829628.htm
15 OCTOBER 2012
Philippines and Muslim rebels sign key peace plan
The Philippines has signed a framework peace plan with the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The deal follows lengthy negotiations aimed at ending a 40-year conflict that has cost an estimated 120,000 lives
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19944101 http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1231404/1/.html
13 OCTOBER 2012
Philippine peace deal seen as blow to terrorists
Hunted by U.S.-backed Filipino troops in 2005, Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and other al-Qaida-linked militants sought refuge in the mountainous stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines. But the rebels turned them away, afraid that harboring extremists would scuttle their peace talks with the government.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/90675/philippine-peace-deal-seen-as-blow-to-terrorists/
7 OCTOBER 2012
Philippines announces peace deal with Muslim insurgents
President Benigno Aquino of the Philippines said Sunday that a deal had been agreed with the insurgent Moro Islamic Liberation Front on establishing an autonomous region for the nation’s Muslim minority, the result of 15 years of negotiations
http://www.france24.com/en/20121007-philippines-aquino-peace-deal-agreement-muslim-militants-milf-liberation-insurgents-moro
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19860907 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/9592414/Philippines-president-announces-landmark-peace-plan-with-Muslim-rebels.html
6 OCTOBER 2012
Audit finds Philippines lost US$2.46b to anomalies
The Philippines lost $2.46 billion through misuse of state funds and assets during the latter years of graft-tainted ex-president Gloria Arroyo’s rule, government auditors said
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1229865/1/.html
Communist rebel leader captured in Philippines
New People’s Army regional chief Benjamin Mendoza and three other suspected insurgents were arrested in the early hours of Saturday outside their hideout in suburban Quezon City http://asiancorrespondent.com/90420/communist-rebel-leader-captured-in-philippines/
4 OCTOBER 2012
Philippines arrests Gloria Arroyo on plunder charges
A court had issued an arrest warrant for Mrs Arroyo, who is accused of diverting $8.8m (£5.5m) from the state lottery charity fund for personal gain
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19825408
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/10/201210472623746765.html
3 OCTOBER 2012
Media groups, Filipinos protest tough cyber law
Media groups and Filipinos stepped up calls Wednesday for repealing a tough new law that targets cybercrime but activists fear will be used to suppress online freedoms in the Southeast Asian nation. http://asiancorrespondent.com/90299/media-groups-filipinos-protest-tough-cyber-law/ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/281742/sc-no-tro-on-cyberlaw
2 OCTOBER 2012
Philippines, Muslim rebels close to peace accord
The Philippine government and Muslim rebels have resumed talks on resolving final differences in a preliminary peace accord they hope to conclude soon, in what is expected to be a major breakthrough toward ending a decades-long rebellion
http://asiancorrespondent.com/90293/philippines-muslim-rebels-close-to-peace-accord/
23 SEPTEMBER 2012
Philippines-China tension eases
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas met with China’s leader-in-waiting on Friday 21 and told him that Manila hoped to have friendly relations with Beijing and overcome difficulties caused by a territorial row in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/50916/ph-china-tension-eases
22 SEPTEMBER 2012
Poverty traps Philippine child labourers
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/asia-pacific/2012/09/20129228349659687.html
14 SEPTEMBER 2012
Philippines on frontline of US-China rivalry
The Philippines has emerged as a frontline state in the rivalry between the United States and China for Southeast Asian power and influence. Locked in a bitter territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea, and with no prospects of a diplomatic resolution in sight, Manila has moved to bolster to its long-standing strategic alliance with Washington.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NI15Ae02.html
13 SEPTEMBER 2012
Some 5,000 Filipino migrant workers caught up in the Syrian inferno
Most of the migrants are women, employed as domestic and care workers by rich Syrian and foreign families. About 300 have been repatriated after fighting between rebels and the army put their lives in harm’s way
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Some-5,000-Filipino-migrant-workers-caught-up-in-the-Syrian-inferno-25808.html
24 AUGUST 2012
First female chief justice named
President Benigno Aquino on Friday named a veteran judge as the first female chief justice of the Philippine Supreme Court, following his controversial ousting of her predecessor. http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120824-367401.html http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/271066/news/nation/pnoy-names-sereno-new-chief-justice?ref=bannerh1
18 AUGUST 2012
Philippines interior secretary missing in plane crash
Interior secretary Jesse Robredo is among three people missing after small plane crashed at sea off a central island. http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/18/world/asia/philippines-plane-crash/index.html?hpt=ias_c2 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/252450/robredo-2-others-missing-after-plane-crash
6 AUGUST 2012
Philippines: Battle rages between govt troops, Islamic rebels in Maguindanao
Government troops and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are still locked in pitched battles in several towns of Maguindanao leaving the national highway that connects Cotabato City and General Santos City impassable.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/87137/battle-rages-in-maguindanao/
5 AUGUST 2012
UN weighs in on Philippine birth control debate
The United Nations warned Sunday that failure to pass a controversial birth control law in the Philippines could reverse gains in development goals amid stiff opposition from the powerful Catholic Church.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120805-363526.html
4 AUGUST 2012
Philippine Catholics rally against reproductive health law
Thousands of Catholics have rallied in the Philippines against a measure to control the country’s population growth.
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2012-08-05/philippine-catholics-rally-against-reproductive-health-law/993334
26 JULY 2012
Chinese fishing fleet closes in on Pag-asa Island
A fleet of 20 Chinese fishing vessels believed to be escorted by at least two naval frigates of the People’s Liberation Army has been deployed around Pag-asa Island in a move likely to escalate tensions over disputed territories in the Spratly archipelago between the Philippines and China. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/45499/china-fishing-boats-warships-drop-anchor-off-pag-asa
25 JULY 2012
Philippines’ ex-leader Gloria Arroyo free on bail
A Philippine court has granted bail to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on election sabotage charges, but she is unlikely to leave detention immediately because of a pending corruption case.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/86492/philippine-ex-leader-gets-bail-ruling-still-held/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18979995
23 JULY 2012
Aquino urges Philippines to unite on China
Philippine President Benigno Aquino urged all Filipinos on Monday to unite in sending a message to China over a territorial row, insisting his country would not give in to its more powerful neighbour. http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120723-360873.html
20 JULY 2012
Philippines struggles to curb child labour
In the Philippines there is a renewed push to stamp out child labour where over millions of children eke out a living as workers, miners and farm hands instead of going to school. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/07/2012720103130712708.html
17 JULY 2012
Filipinos charged over $12,000 to flee Syria: Manila
Filipino workers trying to flee the unrest in Syria are being charged up to US$10,000 (S$12,624) by their employers before they can leave, the foreign department in Manila said on Tuesday.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/World/Story/A1Story20120717-359698.html
9 JULY 2012
Philippines suspends governor for hitting reporter
President Benigno Aquino suspends a province governor for a month without pay for storming a state-run radio station and hitting a broadcaster on the head with a microphone.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120709-358093.html
6 JULY 2012
Military spending spree in the Philippines
China’s rising assertiveness to claims over the contested Spratly Islands has spurred the Philippines to ramp up a long-overdue upgrade of its external defense capability. Manila’s move signals an impending arms race in the increasingly volatile region. Next month, Philippine President Benigno Aquino’s government will begin bidding for some 70 billion pesos (US$1.8 billion) worth of military contracts, the initial outlay of a 500 billion peso budget for a five-year modernization of the 125,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NG06Ae01.html
30 JUNE 2012
‘Gov’t not doing enough to punish rights abusers’
A New York-based human rights watchdog on Saturday said Philippine government efforts at prosecuting human rights violators were not enough, with most cases failing to reach the trial stage.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/42407/govt-not-doing-enough-to-punish-rights-abusers
28 JUNE 2012
Another prospective witness in Maguindanao massacre case confirmed killed
A prosecutor in the Maguindanao massacre case on Thursday confirmed that another prospective prosecution witness has been killed.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/263428/news/nation/another-prospective-witness-in-maguindanao-massacre-case-confirmed-killed?ref=topstories
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18621705
22 JUNE 2012
Ethnic Chinese dominate PH economy
Truly, a picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures of the top 15 Filipino billionaires (in US dollars, mind you) in Friday’s issue of the Inquirer brought home with crystal clarity the domination of the Philippine economy by ethnic Chinese. This is, of course, not a unique situation, as it seems to be the case in all of Southeast Asia (with the possible exception of Malaysia), but that is cold comfort indeed.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/31223/ethnic-chinese-dominate-ph-economy
20 JUNE 2012
Korea to export TA-50 jets to Philippines
The Philippines air force has decided to purchase 12 TA-50 trainer jets from South Korea in a project worth nearly $360 million, a Philippines broadcaster reported Wednesday. The aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries will be delivered within next year, ABS-CBN reported citing air force officials. http://view.koreaherald.com/kh/view.php?ud=20120620001048&cpv=0
18 JUNE 2012
China ships stay in Panatag Shoal
China has no immediate plans of pulling out its vessels at Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the Chinese Embassy said Monday 18.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/40487/china-not-pulling-out-7-vessels-around-scarborough-shoal
17 JUNE 2012
Communists ready to resume talks with Philippines
Philippine communist rebels waging one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies said Sunday they were prepared to resume formal peace talks with the government.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/214067/communists-ready-to-resume-talks-with-philippines
14 JUNE 2012
Scarborough Shoal: It’s PH map vs China map
Old maps, which some government officials believe may hold the key to the Philippines’ claim to Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), were the created by foreign missionaries and colonial explorers, making them “personal and unofficial,” according to a report posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Makati City.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/40007/scarborough-shoal-it%E2%80%99s-ph-map-vs-china-map
9 JUNE 2012
US to boost Philippine defence
The United States pledged to help the Philippines step up its defenses in the face of a rising China, as President Benigno Aquino III and President Barack Obama prepared to meet at the White House amid Philippine warnings that “weakness invites aggression.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/39371/us-to-boost-ph-defense
29 MAY 2012
Philippine Senate convicts chief justice
Philippine senators have voted overwhelmingly to convict Renato Corona, the country’s top judge, for failing to declare $2.4m in bank accounts after a trial that lasted five months http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/05/201252992220148225.html http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/203217/guilty-corona-accepts-fate-after-senate%e2%80%99s-20-3-vote
24 MAY 2012
Philippines accuses China of flaring tensions further
The Philippines yesterday accused China of flaring tensions anew by sending more government and fishing vessels to Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal despite ongoing talks to resolve the two-month-old standoff. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Raul Hernandez said the number of Chinese vessels at Scarborough Shoal increased to 92 from 77 on Tuesday 22
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/37711/92-china-ships-now-in-panatag-shoal-tensions-up
11 MAY 2012
Filipinos protest at China embassy over ‘bullying’
Hundreds of Filipinos demonstrated outside the Chinese embassy in the Philippines on Friday over an escalating territorial row, with the protesters denouncing China’s rulers as arrogant bullies http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/11/world/asia/philippines-china-dispute/index.html?hpt=ias_c2 http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120511-345343.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18030805
28 APRIL 2012
UN approves PH territorial claim to Benham Rise
The United Nations has approved the Philippines’ territorial claim to Benham Rise, an undersea landmass in the Pacific Ocean potentially rich in mineral and natural gas deposits, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/183779/un-approves-ph-territorial-claim-to-benham-rise
23 APRIL 2012
Manila Court Backs Breakup of Aquino Estate
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court in the Philippines ruled unanimously on Tuesday 23 to break up the rambling estate owned by the family of President Benigno S. Aquino III, parceling out plots to more than 6,000 farmers and their families after decades of sometimes bloody conflict over the land
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/25/world/asia/manila-court-backs-breakup-of-aquino-estate.html?_r=1&ref=asia
22 APRIL 2012
US commander reaffirms Philippines defense treaty
In the strongest comments yet from an American official on the South China Sea dispute, Commander of the US Marines in the Pacific Lieutenant General Duane Thiessen said the Philippines and US were bound by a military agreement
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/255828/news/nation/us-commander-reaffirms-phl-defense-treaty?ref=related_stories
19 APRIL 2012
China rejects Philippines’ attempt to internationalise shoal dispute
China rejected a request by the Philippines yesterday 18 to take a maritime dispute to an international court, as Beijing sent a major ship to beef up patrols in the South China Sea.
http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=29742&sec=1
17 APRIL 2012
China to Philippines: Quit Scarborough Shoal
China has asked all Philippine vessels to leave immediately Panatag Shoal and sent a second aircraft buzzing over the area to scare away Filipino fishermen, officials said Tuesday 17
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/33497/china-to-philippines-quit-scarborough-shoal http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120418-340640.html
11 APRIL 2012
Arroyo pleads not guilty to corruption charge
Former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband have pleaded not guilty to corruption charges related to an overpriced deal with a Chinese telecommunications company in a second criminal case against her
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/04/20124114826389816.html
Philippine navy in standoff with China ships
The Philippines has summoned China’s ambassador in Manila after two Chinese ships blocked a Philippine Navy vessel from arresting Chinese fishermen in the South China Sea.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/04/201241112736382783.html
http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=29560&sec=1
18 MARCH 2012
Japan to pour more investments in PH
The Japanese are back and a euphoric President Benigno Aquino III says he expects the wave of Japanese investments currently pouring into the country to continue for some time.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/163239/japan-to-pour-more-investments-in-ph
3 MARCH 2012
Government defends abstention in UN vote on Syria
Fearing reprisals against Filipino workers, the Philippine government abstained from voting on a United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council resolution deploring the “brutal actions of the Syrian regime” and reiterating the need to urgently address humanitarian needs, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/27133/government-defends-abstention-in-un-vote-on-syria
29 FEBRUARY 2012
Philippines to defy China and expand oil search
The Philippines said Wednesday it would push ahead with plans to expand oil and gas exploration in waters also claimed by China, as it brushed off a fresh Chinese warning
http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20120229-330899.html
23 FEBRUARY 2012
Arroyo pleads not guilty to poll fraud
Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has pleaded not guilty to an electoral fraud charge at the opening of a landmark trial.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2012/02/201222311129150864.html
16 FEBRUARY 2012
OFW remittances hit record $20B
Overseas Filipinos sent home a record $20.12 billion last year, rising 7.2 percent from 2010 and exceeding the government forecast of 7 percent despite a slowing US economy and debt problems in Europe
http://business.inquirer.net/44773/ofw-remittances-hit-record-20b
2 FEBRUARY 2012
Philippine military ‘kills three wanted militants’
The Philippine military says it has killed three senior militants from al-Qaeda-linked groups in a raid in the south of the country. Officials said two Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leaders and one Abu Sayyaf leader were among a total of 15 people killed
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16849271
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/02/terrorist-group-leaders-killed-south-philippines.html
23 JANUARY 2012
NY-based group raps Aquino over human rights abuses
The New York-based Human Rights Group on Monday lamented that President Aquino’s valiant promises to stem the rampant violation of human rights have remained just that, and said it could show its resolve by arresting a high ranking retired military officer accused of kidnapping militant students
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/23751/ny-group-hits-aquino-on-rights-abuses
8 JANUARY 2012
China accused by Philippines of Spratlys intrusion
The Philippines has accused China of intruding into its waters around the disputed Spratly islands after three ships were spotted in December
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16459425
7 JANUARY 2012
While one general rises …
Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa, a senior military aide to former Philippine president Corazon Aquino, will now serve “Cory’s” son, current President Benigno Aquino III, as the 43rd chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Dellosa’s appointment comes at a time of rising security threats, including growing maritime tensions with China and changing dynamics in insurgencies in the country’s southern region.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NA07Ae02.html
… while another one falls
The recent filing of kidnapping and illegal detention charges against prominent retired Philippine general Jovito Palparan has restored faith in President Benigno Aquino’s promised reform agenda and given cheer to the country’s many human-rights campaigners. Palparan, a figure intimately tied to the rash of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances recorded during Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s presidency, has disappeared since the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued charges against him and three other soldiers for kidnapping two University of the Philippines students and a peasant farmer in June 2006
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NA07Ae01.html
27 DECEMBER 2011
Philippines flash floods death toll nears 1,500
Almost 1,500 people are now known to have died in flash floods that struck the southern Philippines more than a week ago
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16336706
19 DECEMBER 2011
Philippines floods: Aid agencies say 120,000 in need
Aid agencies in the Philippines are trying to reach more than 120,000 people affected by flash flooding on the island of Mindanao. At least 972 people died in the disaster, according to goverment sources.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16249763
http://www.france24.com/en/20111219-mass-burial-flash-flood-victims-death-count-650-philippines-washi-rescue
18 DECEMBER 2011
Philippines flood toll passes 650 as search continues
The number of people killed in the Philippines by floods triggered by Tropical Storm Washi has risen to 650. Soldiers and volunteers are still searching for the 800 people reported missing on southern Mindanao island. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/201112184120695345.htmlhttp://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/18/world/asia/philippines-storm/index.html?hpt=ias_c1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-16236757 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/world/asia/flooding-kills-scores-in-southern-philippines.html?_r=1&ref=asia
16 DECEMBER 2011
US urges China to release human rights lawyer
The United States has urged China to “immediately release” human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng and to clarify his whereabouts. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/2011121618851238855.html
13 DECEMBER 2011
Philippine vote official held on fraud charge
Benjamin Abalos, the former head of the country’s election authority, surrendered to a Manila regional court in suburban Pasay city on Tuesday 13 and was placed under arrest
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/2011121375759425118.html
12 DECEMBER 2011
Philippine chief justice impeached
The Philippine House of Representatives has impeached the country’s supreme court chief justice over alleged corruption and favoritism toward arrested ex-president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. A majority of the 284 members of the lower chamber of congress signed a resolution on Monday to impeach Renato Corona, who will now be tried by the senate in an impeachment tribunal
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/12/2011121214140969931.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16144786
6 DECEMBER 2011
Palace-Supreme Court fight escalates
Philippines: Palace officials on Tuesday joined President Benigno Aquino III in stepping up attacks against the Supreme Court, warning magistrates against obstructing a popular reformist agenda and raising the specter of a people power uprising
against them
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/106417/palace-supreme-court-fight-escalates
23 NOVEMBER 2011
Mike Arroyo liable in helicopter scam
A fact-finding panel of the Office of the Ombudsman found the husband of the former President and now Pampanga representative liable for graft charges for the allegedly anomalous sale of helicopters to the Philippine National Police in 2009
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/99407/mike-arroyo-liable-in-helicopter-scam
Slow trial frustrates Philippine massacre kin
Two years after a political massacre in the southern Philippines became the single worst slaying of journalists in the world, more than half of the nearly 200 suspects remain at large
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45410170/ns/world_news/
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/MK24Ae02.html
21 NOVEMBER 2011
Philippines considers South Korean military equipment
The Philippines on Monday expressed its interest in acquiring military helicopters, boats and aircraft from South Korea as part of efforts to
boost its military capabilities amid growing tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1676425.php/Philippines-considers-South-Korean-military-equipment
18 NOVEMBER 2011
Philippines arrests ex-president in hospital room
Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was arrested in her hospital room on electoral fraud charges Friday in a high-profile tug of war set off by her attempts to leave the country ostensibly for medical treatment
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45350046/ns/world_news/
15 NOVEMBER 2011
Philippines: Gloria Arroyo stopped from boarding plane
The Philippine government has defied a Supreme Court ruling that allowed former President Gloria Arroyo to travel abroad for medical treatment.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15732351
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/11/20111115113623552423.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/11/2011111681616795467.html
More Filipino families rate themselves poor in survey
The number of Filipino families who consider themselves poor has grown, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, particularly in Luzon (excluding Metro Manila) where gloom about worsening conditions had expanded, eclipsing improvements seen in other areas.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/93967/more-filipino-families-rate-themselves-poor-in-survey
10 NOVEMBER 2011
Philippines roils South China Sea
Tensions are rising again as China and the Philippines bump boats and trade diplomatic barbs over the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Adding fuel to the fire were recent “war games” staged by 3,000 American and Filipino marines near the hotly disputed maritime territory. The latest row was sparked by alleged intrusions into each other’s claimed area in the potentially oil-and-gas rich chain of islands, where more than 50% of the world’s merchant fleet tonnage passes each year. It also comes ahead of a crucial East Asian Summit meeting later this month in Bali, Indonesia where world leaders will be in attendance and the issue on the agenda
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/MK10Ae01.html
8 NOVEMBER 2011
Philippines bans ex-president Arroyo from travel
The Philippine government on Tuesday rejected an appeal from former president Gloria Arroyo to travel abroad for medical treatment, saying she may be trying to avoid a graft probe.
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20111108-309408.html
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1673847.php/Ex-Philippine-president-Arroyo-not-allowed-to-seek-treatment-abroad
3 NOVEMBER 2011
Philippines ranks 8th among 135 on world gender equality
The Philippines, where women and men enjoy the same access to education, remains in the top 10 countries with the least gender gap, according to the 2011 Global Gender Gap rankings by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum. From ninth place last year, the Philippines ranks eighth among 135 countries this year, with a score of 0.768.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/16879/philippines-ranks-8th-among-135-on-world-gender-equality
26 OCTOBER 2011
Clashes in Philippines Could Threaten Government Peace Talks
Philippine defense officials say fighting between government forces and the country’s largest Muslim rebel group has displaced some 20,000 residents of two southern provinces. The fighting is happening even though the two sides are in the midst of peace talks.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/southeast/Clashes-in-Philippines-Could-Threaten-Government-Peace-Talks-132611893.html
17 OCTOBER 2011
Italian missionary’s slay shocks Church
In a broad daylight murder that stunned members of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as government officials, Italian missionary Fr. Fausto Tentorio—fondly known as “Father Pops”—was gunned down in a church compound in Arakan town while a flag-raising ceremony was going on nearby
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/15531/italian-missionarys-slay-shocks-church
15 OCTOBER 2011
Wasted youth in the Philippines
It’s a cliche for politicians to talk about youth as the hope of a nation. In the Philippines, national leaders are instead planning a war on youth. A series of startling crimes committed by children barely out of grade school has national legislators mulling legal changes that would make kids as young as nine years old criminally liable for their actions. Calls to lower the age limit gained momentum following news footage featuring a series of armed robberies committed by minors who forcibly open the doors of taxis caught in traffic
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/MJ15Ae02.html
13 OCTOBER 2011
Aquino: No state honors for Marcos
President Benigno Aquino (left) says there will be no state funeral or any kind of state honors for the late Ferdinand Marcos whose remains lie in an airconditioned glass case in Batac, Ilocos Norte. Photos by PDI
http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=22743&sec=1
8 SEPTEMBER 2011
NDF drops ‘coalition gov’t’ from agenda
The government and the communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) have agreed to resume peace talks sometime between late October and early November even as both sides issued conflicting statements on the release of jailed rebels
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/54895/ndf-drops-%E2%80%98coalition-gov%E2%80%99t%E2%80%99-from-agenda
24 AUGUST 2011
President Aquino: Ship symbol of our defense
The Philippines’ newest warship, which sailed on Tuesday into Manila Bay after a 14,679-kilometer voyage from the United States, was hailed by President Benigno Aquino III as a symbol of the country’s determination to defend its claims in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South
China Sea)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/46823/president-aquino-ship-symbol-of-our-defense
3 AUGUST 2011
Choppy waters ahead in South China Sea
The Philippines Wednesday (August 3) dismissed a tough Chinese warning, insisting it would go ahead with plans to explore for oil in the disputed waters
http://www.asianewsnet.net/home/news.php?id=20419&sec=1
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/35983/philippines-china-word-war-worsens
29 JULY 2011
House raiders: So sorry
“You can’t hide anything that stinks.”
With those words, Senior Superintendent Rafael Santiago on Friday apologized to the Filipino nation, “and especially to Madame Susan Roces,” for what he and his men did six years ago—steal election returns (ERs) to ensure the victory of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the
fraud-marred 2004 presidential election.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/33073/house-raiders-so-sorry
28 JULY 2011
The Aquino-Arroyo Contest Heats Up
The bloodhounds appear to be sniffing closer to former Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whom the current president, Benigno S. Aquino III, has vowed to put in jail on corruption charges. Whether they will track her down remains problematical, given the Filipino culture of
impunity. Arroyo announced earlier this week that she was to enter St. Luke’s Medical Center in Metro Manila on July 28 for what was described as a “risky” operation to correct a pinched nerve in her spine. And, despite the fact that Aquino appears intent in getting her behind bars, the Malacañang presidential palace asked the public to offer prayers for Mrs. Arroyo’s recovery
http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3351&Itemid=187
20 JULY 2011
South China Sea dispute: Philippine MPs visit Spratlys
The politicians landed on Pagasa island, the only island in the Spratlys chain populated by Filipinos, and sang the national anthem with residents
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14212130
http://english.aljazeera.net/video/asia-pacific/2011/07/2011720202513219765.html
19 JULY 2011
Report cites Philippines rights abuses
The government of the Philippines is failing to investigate and prosecute killings and abuses by the military, fuelling further injustices, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report, released on Monday, detailed evidence of the military’s involvement in seven killings and three enforced disappearances of leftist activists since Benigno Aquino III, Philippines’ president, took office in June last year.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2011/07/201171962325481147.html
15 JULY 2011
Philippine navy colonel detained for calling for Aquino ouster
A colonel in the Philippine Navy who allegedly called for the ouster of the government has been confined to his quarters, the chief of the navy said Frida
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/asiapacific/news/article_1651389.php/Philippine-navy-colonel-detained-for-calling-for-Aquino-ouster
17 JUNE 2011
Philippines Stands All but Alone in Banning Divorce
When citizens of the small Mediterranean nation of Malta voted in a referendum last month to legalize divorce, they reignited debate in the Philippines, one of the last countries, along with Vatican City, where divorce is still banned
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/18/world/asia/18iht-philippines18.html?ref=asia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/1135789/1/.html
26 MAY 2011
A million Filipinos joined ranks of unemployed since November
More than one million adult Filipinos joined the ranks of the unemployed between November and March, according to the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The SWS survey, conducted on March 4 to 7 and released on Wednesday, said adult unemployment rose to 27.2 percent, or an estimated 11.3 million, from 23.5 percent (9.9 million) just four months before.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/9254/a-million-filipinos-joined-ranks-of-unemployed-since-nov
23 MAY 2011
Call for Chinese restraint over Spratlys
Meeting amid renewed tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the defence chiefs of China and the Philippines jointly called for “responsible behaviour” while all parties work for a peaceful resolution
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_672112.html
http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_672112.htmlwsnet.net/home/news.php?id=19058&sec=1
20 MAY 2011
Saudis reject Philippine maids pay rise bid
The Philippines said Friday Saudi Arabia had rejected a demand to guarantee higher pay for Filipina maids, temporarily closing one of the largest labour markets for the struggling Asian nation. The dispute began early this year after the Philippines demanded a minimum US$400 (S$494) monthly wage for its domestic workers as well as proof that Saudi households employing them would pay and provide humane working conditions
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20110520-279878.html
29 APRIL 2011
VFA allows US presence But DFA adds revival of US bases ‘not possible
Temporary US presence in the country may be permitted, but the return of American military bases in the Philippines is “not possible” under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, the Department of Foreign Affairs said
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110429-333544/VFA-allows-US-presence
7 APRIL 2011
Ex-dictator Marcos in Philippine ‘Hall of Heroes
Marcos, who has been accused of human rights abuses and massive corruption, is in the museum as part of a showcase for those who received the military’s highest honour, the “Medal of Valour,” Brigadier General Jose Mabanta told AFP
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20110407-272352.html
28 MARCH 2011
Hero’s Burial for Marcos?
Twenty-five years after he died in exile in Hawaii, sentiment is growing in the Philippines to bury the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who looted his country of a suspected US$100 billion, in the country’s Cemetery of Heroes. That feeling culminated earlier this week in a resolution by 190 members of the Philippine House of Representatives asking President Benigno Aquino III to allow the burial in the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, as the cemetery is known, in the historic Fort Bonifacio in Manila. More lawmakers in the 284-member chamber are expected to sign on as well
http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3085&Itemid=187