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Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Members of UAE's Filipino group take oath of office
Ahead of the 127th commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day on June 12 (Thursday), a group of 30 women across the UAE has formally established their organisation that aims to help further promote their nation's heritage and values, as embodied in the principles and ideals of their national hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal (June 19, 1896-December 30, 1896), whose execution at the Bagumbayan (Luneta Park) in Manila, sparked the revolt against their three-century coloniser, Spain. The group, whose officers took their oath of office before Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Marford Angeles recently, is the International Ladies of Rizal (ILOR). The ILOR membership into the 4,000-strong Filipino Social Club (FIlSoC), recognised by the UAE Government through the Community Development Authority-Dubai and by the Philippine Government, is under process. Angeles, in his inspirational message, hailed the decision of the ILOR leadership, headed by president Susan Francisco, financial literacy advocate, and vice president Lolie Dequinon, Philippine Business Council-Dubai volunteer, to link up the cultural and charitable organisation, with the FilSoC. Doing so is the 'safest means of organising events and activities' that would also propel the ILOR mission and vision. 'We abide by the rules and regulations of the host government. That is basic. You are being selfless. Being able to get involved in worthwhile activities is selflessness, an attribute of Dr. Rizal. Your choice to invest your time and effort for the community which takes a lot of commitment and single-mindedness for the accomplishment of your goals, is being Dr. Rizal. I hope that with your efforts, the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal will touch other's lives.' Angeles said. Early on in his speech, Angeles stressed: 'Dr. Jose Rizal has long envisioned a country that is truly united; that has one goal; that has one single vision.' Towards the end of his speech and encouraging even the mixed-race audience, as within the ILOR DNA is the inclusion of women from other nationalities, Angeles also stated: 'As I always say, 'Let your light so shine before men. It is not peculiarly Christian. If we say we are for the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal, these ideals should be seen in us. Let us look at ourselves. Am I exemplifying the values of Dr. Jose Rizal? It would be ironic that we say we are for the promotion of his ideals, his principles; but, these are not seen in us and so we must also be first be aware of these.' In her speech, ILOR's Francisco enumerated Dr. Rizal's values, also being espoused by the Knights of Rizal (KOR), the November 16, 1916-founded civic group which the Philippine Government legally acknowledges by way of Republic Act 646. 'In reflecting upon the path ahead, I find enduring inspiration in the life and values of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. His unwavering dedication to education, justice, and national dignity.' 'Dr. Rizal's life and works embody values that resonate deeply with Christian teachings. Love for others is Rizal's advocacy for the rights and welfare of Filipinos. It mirrors the biblical commandment to 'Love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31). Pursuit of truth and justice is his commitment to exposing societal injustices. It is reflected in Proverbs 31:8-9: 'Speak up for those who cannot speak for the rights of the poor and needy.' Sacrifice for the greater good is Rizal's willingness to face death for his country's freedom. It resonates from John 15:13: 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.' Pointing out that servant leadership was exemplified by Jesus Christ, Francisco also said: 'While Dr. Jose Rizal did not overtly quote Bible verses, his writings and actions were deeply rooted in Christian values, emphasising love, justice and self-sacrifice. These principles continue to inspire and guide individuals in our times and for future generations. This is why I encourage everyone to internalise and propagate the teachings of our national hero.' From KOR-Emarat Dubai Chapter acting commander Dr. Ruben Ningasca: 'The ILOR is a significant initiative to empower women who take leadership roles through education, volunteerism and cultural programmes. These are essential and transformative for the vision of Dr. Rizal, firmly rooted in freedom, equity, and sustainable national development for the Philippines.'
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Brazen China plants flag on seized TINY 2,000sq ft sandbank in WW3 flashpoint sea…before Philippines' tit-for-tat reply
THE CHINESE coastguard has seized control of a reef near a Philippine military base, threatening to inflame tensions in the disputed region. Four Chinese coastguard officials dressed in black were pictured unfurling their country's flag on a reef called Sandy Cay. 6 Chinese coastguard officers raise their flag on the tiny island Credit: CCTV 6 The sankbank is located near to a Philippine military outpost Credit: CCTV 6 Philippine coast guard and military personnel holding a Philippine flag Credit: AFP 6 This sankbank lies close to Thitu Island, also known as Pag-asa, which is home to a Philippine military outpost. The provocative stunt is the latest move from Beijing to exert influence over the South China Sea - which China claims as part of its territorial waters. However, this claim is not internationally recognised, and is hotly disputed with many of China's maritime neighbours. The picture was released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, which claimed the country had "implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction" earlier in the month. read more in world news In return, the Philippines said on Sunday that its officails had also landed on three sandbanks. They posed with their own national flag for a photo which mimicked that released by China - although it is unclear if this picture was also on Sandy Cay. "This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea," a National Task Force West Philippine Sea spokesperson said. China claims it also carried out "video-recording of illegal activity" by Philippines forces. Most read in The Sun But the Chinese coastguard officials are reported to have now left the 200 square metre sandbank. The Philippines has also strongly denied that China has gained permanent control of the sandbank, according to It coincides with a series of major joint military drills between the US and the Philippines. The drills are expected to involve up to 14,000 troops for 18 days of war games. China has accused the exercises of undermining "regional strategic stability". The White House has said that China's seizure of Sandy Cay is "deeply concerning if true." National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt told the Financial Times: "Actions like these threaten regional stability and violate international law. "We are consulting closely with our own partners and remain committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific." While the South China Sea has long been the subject of overlapping territorial disputes, the competing claims have intensified in recent years. Beijing claims the vast majority of the sea as its territorial waters, shown on Chinese maps via a "nine-dash line". This not internationally recognised, but China has undertaken island-building in the sea in a bid to reinforce its claim. Many analysts fear the seascape could turn into a major geopolitical flashpoint and potential conflict zone. Chinese claims in the South China Sea overlap with claims from Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Some of the world's busiest shipping lanes run through the South China Sea, which has led to fears of dire economic consequences were a war to break out. 6 A Chinese Coast Guard patrol ship and a Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel sail next to one another other on the waters of the disputed South China Sea Credit: EPA 6 A Chinese Coast Guard patrol ship near a Filipino fisherman waving a Philippine flag Credit: EPA
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Brazen China plants flag on seized TINY 2,000sq ft sandbank in WW3 flashpoint sea…before Philippines' tit-for-tat reply
THE CHINESE coastguard has seized control of a reef near a Philippine military base, threatening to inflame tensions in the disputed region. Four Chinese coastguard officials dressed in black were pictured unfurling their country's flag on a reef called Sandy Cay. 6 6 6 6 This sankbank lies close to Thitu Island, also known as Pag-asa, which is home to a Philippine military outpost. The provocative stunt is the latest move from Beijing to exert influence over the South China Sea - which China claims as part of its territorial waters. However, this claim is not internationally recognised, and is hotly disputed with many of China's maritime neighbours. The picture was released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, which claimed the country had "implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction" earlier in the month. In return, the Philippines said on Sunday that its officails had also landed on three sandbanks. They posed with their own national flag for a photo which mimicked that released by China - although it is unclear if this picture was also on Sandy Cay. "This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea," a National Task Force West Philippine Sea spokesperson said. China claims it also carried out "video-recording of illegal activity" by Philippines forces. But the BBC has reported there is little sign that China has permanently occupied the small island. Chinese coastguard officials are reported to have now left the 200 square metre sandbank. The Philippines has also strongly denied that China has gained permanent control of the sandbank, according to Al Jazeera reports. It coincides with a series of major joint military drills between the US and the Philippines. The drills are expected to involve up to 14,000 troops for 18 days of war games. China has accused the exercises of undermining "regional strategic stability". The White House has said that China's seizure of Sandy Cay is "deeply concerning if true." National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt told the Financial Times: "Actions like these threaten regional stability and violate international law. "We are consulting closely with our own partners and remain committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific." While the South China Sea has long been the subject of overlapping territorial disputes, the competing claims have intensified in recent years. Beijing claims the vast majority of the sea as its territorial waters, shown on Chinese maps via a "nine-dash line". This not internationally recognised, but China has undertaken island-building in the sea in a bid to reinforce its claim. Many analysts fear the seascape could turn into a major geopolitical flashpoint and potential conflict zone. Chinese claims in the South China Sea overlap with claims from Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Some of the world's busiest shipping lanes run through the South China Sea, which has led to fears of dire economic consequences were a war to break out. 6 6
NBC News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
China and the Philippines both plant their flags on the same disputed sandbar
China says six Filipinos landed on a tiny outcropping that both countries claim in the South China Sea, days after photos emerged of Chinese coast guard officers displaying a Chinese flag on the same group of sandbars. The back and forth over Sandy Cay is the latest flare-up in a long-running dispute between the two countries over territory in the South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. A Chinese coast guard statement described the Philippine landing on Sunday as 'illegal' and said that Chinese officers had gone ashore 'to conduct on-site verification and enforcement measures.' It didn't specify what those steps entailed. A Philippine statement said that a joint coast guard, navy and maritime police team on rubber dinghies had landed on the three sandbars that make up Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in Chinese. Commodore Jay Tarriela, a Philippine coast guard spokesperson, posted the statement on X with a video and photos, including one showing personnel displaying a Philippine flag on one of the sandbars. 'This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,' the statement said. The move came three days after the Global Times, a Chinese state-owned newspaper, published photos of Chinese coast guard officers on Tiexian Reef in mid-April holding up a Chinese flag and cleaning up plastic bottles and other debris. The Chinese coast guard statement on the subsequent Philippine landing said that China holds 'indisputable sovereignty' over the Spratly islands, including Tiexian Reef and the surrounding waters.
Powys County Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
China and Philippines use flags to stake competing claims in South China Sea
The Philippines has rejected China's claim to a group of three sandbars in the South China Sea, after recent displays by both sides of their national flags on the uninhabited outcrops. The back and forth over Sandy Cay is the latest flare-up in a long-running dispute over territory in the hotly contested South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. The flare-up began last week when a Chinese state-owned newspaper posted exclusive photos of coast guard officers on Sandy Cay from mid-April, including one of them holding up a Chinese flag. Three days later, on Sunday, a joint Philippines coast guard, navy and maritime police team headed to the three sandbars and posed for a photo holding up their national flag. A government statement said: 'This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.' It was posted on social media site X with a video and photos, including one showing team members holding up the Philippine flag. The Chinese coast guard described the Philippine landing as 'illegal' and said Chinese officers had gone ashore 'to conduct on-site verification and enforcement measures'. It did not specify what those steps entailed. The sandbars are in the Spratly Islands, between Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and Subi Reef, which China has transformed into a base with a military-grade runway and buildings with communications facilities. China's state-owned Global Times newspaper, which published the photos of coast guard officers on the sandbars earlier this month, said they had picked up plastic bottles and other debris and displayed the Chinese national flag 'to assert sovereignty'. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council, said on Monday that there is no truth to claims that China has seized the sandbars. He attributed the claims to the Chinese coast guard, though the agency has not said anything about the mid-April landing described in the Global Times report, and later by the military channel of state broadcaster CCTV. 'We urge the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Coast Guard to act with restraint and not increase tensions in the West Philippine Sea,' Mr Malaya told a news conference, The two countries have previously jostled over Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in Chinese and Pag-asa Cays in the Philippines. In January, the Chinese coast guard and a naval helicopter drove away a group of Philippines fisheries ships that were attempting to conduct a scientific survey around Sandy Cay. Philippine government vessels took scientists to Sandy Cay in March last year for marine research despite repeated warnings by Chinese coast guard ships. Chinese officials accused the Philippine military of attempting to build a structure on one of the sandbars in 2017.
