Latest news with #ArmedForcesPhilippines
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Philippines, US Hold Joint Maritime Drills in South China Sea
Coast Guard vessels of the Philippines and the United States have taken part for the first time in joint maritime exercises with naval and air force units in the contested South China Sea, Manila's armed forces said on Wednesday. The exercises, held on Tuesday in waters off Palawan and Occidental Mindoro, involved the Philippine Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, alongside the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The "maritime cooperative activity," which was the second for the year and sixth overall since the allies launched the joint activities in 2023, included communication drills and search-and-rescue scenarios, the military said in a statement. "Joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the Armed Forces of the Philippines' commitment to modernizing its capabilities and strengthening defense partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests," AFP Chief Romeo Brawner said. Relations between the Philippines and China have been strained by disputes over sovereignty in the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. China claims most of the strategic waterway despite a 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal that found Beijing's claims have no basis under international law. China does not recognize the decision.
CNA
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Philippines, US hold joint maritime drills in South China Sea
MANILA: Coast Guard vessels of the Philippines and the United States have taken part for the first time in joint maritime exercises with naval and air force units in the contested South China Sea, Manila's armed forces said on Wednesday (May 21). The exercises, held on Tuesday in waters off Palawan and Occidental Mindoro, involved the Philippine Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, alongside the US Coast Guard Cutter Stratton and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The "maritime cooperative activity", which was the second for the year and sixth overall since the allies launched the joint activities in 2023, included communication drills and search-and-rescue scenarios, the military said in a statement. "Joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the Armed Forces of the Philippines' commitment to modernising its capabilities and strengthening defence partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests," AFP Chief Romeo Brawner said. Relations between the Philippines and China have been strained by disputes over sovereignty in the South China Sea, a conduit for more than US$3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. China claims most of the strategic waterway despite a 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal that found Beijing's claims have no basis under international law. China does not recognise the decision.
Reuters
21-05-2025
- General
- Reuters
Philippines, U.S. hold joint maritime drills in South China Sea
MANILA, May 21 (Reuters) - Coast Guard vessels of the Philippines and the United States have taken part for the first time in joint maritime exercises with naval and air force units in the contested South China Sea, Manila's armed forces said on Wednesday. The exercises, held on Tuesday in waters off Palawan and Occidental Mindoro, involved the Philippine Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, alongside the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton and a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The "maritime cooperative activity," which was the second for the year and sixth overall since the allies launched the joint activities in 2023, included communication drills and search-and-rescue scenarios, the military said in a statement. "Joint activities like the MCA reaffirm the Armed Forces of the Philippines' commitment to modernising its capabilities and strengthening defence partnerships to secure our national and regional maritime interests," AFP Chief Romeo Brawner said. Relations between the Philippines and China have been strained by disputes over sovereignty in the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. China claims most of the strategic waterway despite a 2016 ruling by an international arbitral tribunal that found Beijing's claims have no basis under international law. China does not recognise the decision.
Associated Press
08-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Shifts Gears to Combat Evolving Cyber Threats
BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA, May 8, 2025 / / -- In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, state-sponsored cyber intrusions, breaches targeting government systems, and a surge in deepfake content have become pressing challenges for the Philippines. These occurrences, while increasingly routine, underscore the complexity and urgency of cyber defense in the modern era. A notable pattern has emerged: spikes in activity within the West Philippine Sea often coincide with intensified malicious cyber operations targeting the Philippines. In response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has adopted a proactive stance, taking robust steps to secure the nation's digital frontlines. Fully recognizing that cybersecurity is now a pillar of national defense—protecting territory, economy, and democratic values—the AFP has updated its doctrines and operational plans to better confront these sophisticated threats. Integral to this effort is its commitment to international cooperation, with cybersecurity integration becoming a hallmark of joint military exercises such as the annual Balikatan, hosted in partnership with the United States. Further reinforcing its position, the Philippines has established trilateral cyber defense collaboration with Japan and the U.S., and continues to be an active member of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI)—the world's largest coalition against ransomware. In recognition of the growing sophistication of cyber threats, the AFP has also created a dedicated Cyber Command to consolidate efforts across units, enhance internal coordination, and conduct defensive operations aimed at safeguarding military digital infrastructure. The AFP's focus on continuous improvement is evident in its partnerships, including previous collaborations with global certifying bodies such as the EC-Council and CISCO Academy, aimed at upskilling its cybersecurity personnel. Strengthening its commitment to national cybersecurity awareness and innovation, the AFP has officially joined as a Supporting Partner of PhilSec 2025 —the Philippines' flagship cybersecurity festival, happening on 22 – 23 July 2025 at the Manila Marriott Hotel. The two-day event promises expert insights, strategic dialogues, and a showcase of cutting-edge solutions addressing the most urgent issues in the cyber domain. Through these dynamic and forward-looking initiatives, the AFP reinforces its message: defending our nation's sovereignty now extends into cyberspace—and we are prepared! For more information about the event, log on to: Media contact: Shrinkhal Sharad PR & Communication Lead [email protected] + (91) 80 6166 4401 Tradepass About Tradepass Providing access to the global emerging markets, Tradepass brings together people, products and solutions to power events for unparalleled business and networking opportunities. Being the most accredited event company, it helps organizations: enter new markets, grow sales pipeline, close prospects, raise capital and identify the right solution-providers. As a deal facilitator, Tradepass is always determined about exposing the most agile liquid growth markets, to enable all-round scalability and growth. Shrinkhal Sharad Tradepass +91 80 6166 4401 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Reuters
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Philippines says Navy patrol encountered aggressive moves by Chinese Navy vessels
MANILA, May 8 (Reuters) - A Philippine Navy patrol near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea encountered "aggressive and unsafe" movements by two Chinese Navy vessels earlier this week, the Philippine military said on Thursday. "Such threatening and provocative conduct can lead to misunderstanding that may escalate tensions and impact regional stability," the Armed Forces of the Philippines said in a statement. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here.
