Philippine Ambassador Confident in Continued U.S. Military Support
Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, expressed confidence that President Donald Trump’s administration will maintain military patrols in the disputed South China Sea and proceed with expanding U.S. military presence in the Philippines. This assurance comes amid rising concerns over China’s assertive actions in the region. Ambassador Romualdez highlighted ongoing discussions to strengthen defense ties, including a potential meeting between President Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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Philippine Air Force Jet Crash Claims Two Pilots
Tragically, a Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet, engaged in a nighttime combat mission against communist insurgents, crashed in the mountainous region of Bukidnon province. The wreckage and the bodies of the two pilots were discovered near Mount Kalatungan. The aircraft lost contact during the mission, prompting extensive search efforts. In response, the Air Force has grounded its remaining FA-50 jets pending an investigation.
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China Monitors Philippine Resupply Mission to Disputed Shoal
The Chinese Coast Guard monitored a Philippine civilian boat delivering supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal). While China claims the vessel is “illegally grounded,” the Philippines maintains its presence through routine resupply missions. The Philippine Armed Forces emphasized their commitment to maintaining operational readiness in the West Philippine Sea.
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- China monitored Philippine supply run to grounded warship on disputed shoal
- AFP completes ‘hitch-free’ resupply mission at Ayungin Shoal; Chinese ships spotted
Increased Chinese Vessel Presence in Philippine Waters
The Philippine Navy reported spotting 260 Chinese vessels within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in February. This includes two People’s Liberation Army Navy ships and nine Chinese Coast Guard vessels near Scarborough Shoal, as well as one Chinese navy ship and seven coast guard vessels near Second Thomas Shoal. The persistent presence of these vessels is viewed as a violation of Philippine sovereignty and a disregard for the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling.
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