Latest news with #ArmedForcesofthePhilippines
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH using ‘right as our might' vs. China, says AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) likened the Philippines' strategy against China to a 'game of chess' in a recent press conference, and emphasized that the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea are what it puts up against the might of China, a nuclear power. On Tuesday, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said that China's nuclear arsenal was a different playing field and that the Philippines was using its voice and the law to fight. 'The Philippines is playing somewhat like a strategic game. We're playing like a game of chess… We're using our voice to fight, and we're using the law. The arbitral ruling, UNCLOS, has already ruled in our favor, and thus this right as our might has shown its power. We cannot speculate on how others would fortify their defenses,' she said. Padilla noted that the Philippines continues to modernize and strengthen its alliances in order to face off against China. 'If they are doing might versus right, we'll still continue on with using our right as our might,' she added. Regarding the reports that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal, Philippine Navy spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad added that the Philippines had signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty of Nuclear Weapons in 1968. 'We are among the most freedom-loving and hospitable people in the world… We do not look at any country as a threat unless this country would commence illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions against us unless any country would start intruding into our maritime zones,' said Trinidad. 'The build-up of nuclear weapons by the members of the nuclear club has been there since post-World War II. So that is a dynamic, a reality that all countries in the world will have to face,' he said. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BM, GMA Integrated News
Dubai Eye
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
UAE President congratulates Philippines on Independence Day
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory cable to his counterpart in the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, on the country's Independence Day. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, also sent similar messages to Marcos Jr. In Manila, Marcos Jr led the celebration of the 127th anniversary of the country's independence and nationhood. It was marked with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the Rizal National Monument followed by wreath-laying rites in honour of the nation's heroes. A grand float parade at the Quirino Grandstand featured seven pivotal events in Philippine history, with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also participating in the event.
GMA Network
12-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
AFP launches offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday reaffirmed its dedication to national sovereignty and defense modernization as it launched the offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) in Ulsan, South Korea on Wednesday. In a statement, the AFP said the launching ceremony was attended by AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) chief operating officer and senior executive vice president Joo Won Ho. The event showed the strong partnership between the Philippines and South Korea in enhancing maritime security and self-reliant defense capabilities, according to the AFP. Brawner, in his remarks, pointed out the strategic importance of the launch, especially its role in advancing the Philippines' maritime defense. 'The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel No. 1, the BRP Rajah Sulayman, is not merely the unveiling of a new ship—it is a bold declaration of our commitment to maritime security and the defense of our sovereignty,' Brawner said. 'This vessel marks a new chapter for the Philippine Navy, reflecting our resolve to enhance our operational capabilities and extend our presence across our vast maritime domain,' he added. According to the AFP, its new asset was named after a fearless native leader, Rajah Sulayman, who stood firm against foreign conquest in pre-colonial times. The AFP said BRP Rajah Sulayman is a modern emblem of the Filipino people's resilience, courage, and unyielding spirit of independence. 'As the nation honors its past, the AFP remains steadfast in shaping a future where freedom is not only celebrated but vigilantly safeguarded,' the AFP said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
12-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH celebrates 127th Independence Day
The Philippines on Thursday marked its 127th Independence Day with various activities such as flag-raising ceremonies and parades across the country. In Manila, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. led the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a statement said the national program started with a flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal National Monument followed by wreath-laying rites in honor of the nation's heroes. A grand float parade featuring seven pivotal events in Philippine history was held at the Quirino Grandstand. Each float shows a story of heroism from different regions that helped the country achieve freedom. Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who represent the ongoing commitment to national sovereignty and public service also participated in the parade. Performances were exhibited to highlight the country's rich cultural heritage and unique traditions. Kawit, Cavite In Kawit, Cavite, Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gahon Gesmundo led the wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies, gun salute, and parade at the Aguinaldo Shrine, according to a report by Super Radyo dzBB's Christian Maño. The Philippines declared its independence from Spain at the same venue in 1898. In his speech, Gesmundo said that the enemy of the country is no longer colonizers but corruption, indifference, and abuse. 'Ang ating kalaban ay hindi lamang mga dayuhang nagnanais na sakupin tayo ngunit ang katiwalian, kawalan ng pakialam, at pang-aabuso na nakikita natin sa sarili nating bakuran,' he said. (Our enemy is not only foreigners who want to conquer us but also the corruption, indifference, and abuses that we see in our own backyard.) 'Ngayon hindi lamang sa larangan ng digmaan makakamit ang ninanais nating pagbabago. Ito ay makakamit na rin sa mga hukuman, paaralan, at kung saan pa man kung talagang guguuthgin natin,' he added. (Now, the change that we desire cannot only be achieved on the battlefield. It can also be achieved in the courts, schools, and everywhere else if we really want to.) Gesmundo pointed out that independence is not only a reward for hardship but also a purpose that should be strengthened every day. Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies were also held at other significant historical landmarks: Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion in Manila North Cemetery Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas in Angeles City, Pampanga. 'This year's Independence Day celebration brings together history, patriotism and culture, a unified tribute to the legacy of Filipino heroes and a hopeful step toward a stronger and more united future,' the PCO said. The Philippines proclaimed independence on June 12, 1898 at the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit after 333 years under the Spanish colonial rule. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
10-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
IRR of PH, Japan RAA expected to be crafted soon
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan are expected to be crafted soon. 'We're expecting this to happen soon, but there's no really direct timeline that's being given,' AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing. Last week, Philippine Ambassador Mylene Garcia-Albano said Japan's Diet ratified the RAA allowing the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills with Filipino troops in the Philippines. Padilla noted that prior to the signing of the RAA, the two countries already have existing mechanisms that can be enhanced and expanded to different branches of military service. 'In the recent Balikatan exercises, they were actively participating as observers in different activities that we've conducted. We also have maritime patrols with Japan actively participating. And so we're looking at something to develop more like a [visiting forces agreement] of sorts,' Padilla said. 'So we'll see in the coming days how these will all ensue and come into place,' she added. The RAA, which similarly allows Filipino soldiers to enter Japan for joint combat drills, was approved by the Philippine Senate on December 2024. Japan and the Philippines are establishing closer security ties in reaction to China's aggressive territorial assertions. Tokyo and Beijing are locked in a long-running territorial dispute over the Senkaku islands, which the Chinese call Diaoyu, in the East Sea. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize the decision. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
