Latest news with #PS35
GMA Network
27-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
AFP says it's ready to implement code of conduct in South China Sea
An FA-50 of the Philippine Air Force flies over the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) as its officers stand dueing the flag-raising in the waters of Talampas ng Pilipinas, or Philippine Rise, on Monday, May 19, 2025. Northern Luzon Command photo The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday assured that it is ready to carry out any agreements reached in the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. In a press briefing held at Camp Aguinaldo, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, responded to questions regarding the AFP's role in enforcing the code, which is currently under high level discussions in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN). "Whatever comes out of the Code of Conduct, the AFP is prepared to implement," said Trinidad, underscoring the military's readiness to adapt to the outcomes of regional diplomatic negotiations. The COC aims to establish formal rules among claimant states in the South China Sea, including the Philippines and China, in order to avoid conflict and manage tensions in the disputed maritime territory. During the same briefing, Trinidad addressed a number of additional topics, including the future deployment of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific. When asked if it was the first time a Royal Navy aircraft carrier was sailing inside Philippine waters, the admiral replied, "The previous activity of the UK Navy was in 2021 when they sent their other aircraft carrier into the Indo-Pacific region." He also noted the AFP has submitted its position and demands for compensation related to equipment damaged in recent maritime confrontations. 'But again the Armed Forces of the Philippines has submitted its position and its demand for such payment on the cost of this equipment brought about by this incident during the (Rotation and Resupply or RORE missions),' he said, adding that further details should be deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs. —RF, GMA Integrated News
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Philippines slams ‘high-risk' Chinese naval actions near contested reef
The Scarborough Shoal has been a flashpoint since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012. PHOTO: AFP MANILA - The Philippines criticised on May 8 a 'high-risk' manoeuvre by a Chinese vessel near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in a rare incident involving warships from the two navies. The Scarborough Shoal – a triangular chain of reefs and rocks in the contested South China Sea – has been a flashpoint between the countries since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012. The May 5 encounter took place 'approximately 11.8 nautical miles south-east' of the Scarborough Shoal, the military said, during ongoing US-Philippine military exercises that Beijing has slammed as destabilising. 'The Chinese frigate BN 554 was documented tailing PS35 (BRP Emilio Jacinto) at close range, while BN 573 dangerously crossed its bow in a high-risk maneuver that created the danger of collision,' the military said in a statement, labelling the incident 'threatening and provocative'. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told AFP the last such encounter between warships from the two navies he could remember was on a resupply mission in the South China Sea two years ago. Mr Alexander Lopez of Manila's National Maritime Council said the Chinese vessel had been 'dangerously close' to its Philippine counterpart. The ship crossing the bow of the BRP Emilio Jacinto had come within about 180m,, he told AFP, leaving 'no room for any manoeuvre, for any emergency cases'. The Chinese vessel following alongside had been less than 100m away, he said. The Chinese embassy did not immediately return AFP's calls seeking comment. China and the Philippines have engaged in months of confrontations in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims in nearly its entirety despite an international ruling its assertion has no merit. A Filipino sailor lost a thumb last June when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply its troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal. The joint US-Philippine exercises known as Balikatan, which this year were to simulate a 'full-scale battle scenario', are set to end on May 9. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
