Author: Jeoffrey Maitem

A civilian group from the Philippines is defying the odds by continuing their resupply mission to Filipino fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal, despite reports of China sending a massive blockade to disrupt their efforts. This latest development could lead to heightened tensions in the already disputed South China Sea. The group’s upcoming mission will be their second attempt after a previous failed resupply effort last December. The potential blockade from China, involving numerous coastguard and maritime vessels, highlights the determination of China to assert its claim over the shoal, as stated by former US air force official Ray Powell. Despite…

Robert Ace Barbers, the representative of Surigao del Norte’s 2nd District, expressed concern over the increasing number of Chinese students in the Philippines amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. Barbers highlighted the need for a closer examination of student visa conversions and the potential security risks they pose. Filipino coastguard personnel on a patrol vessel viewing a Chinese coastguard ship firing a water cannon in the area of Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea in April. Photo: EPA-EFE Tensions in the region have been heightened by recent incidents, such as clashes and accusations of China…

Renato Cruz De Castro, an international-studies professor at De La Salle University in Manila, expressed support for accountability in response to the Philippine Department of Justice’s legal briefing outlining options for former president Ferdinand Marcos in case of an ICC warrant. He emphasized the importance of not allowing impunity for actions. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said last month that the Philippines would not recognise an International Criminal Court warrant for Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. Photo: dpa The DOJ’s legal brief is seen as standard procedure by Marcos’ press secretary, emphasizing the need to explore all legal avenues. However, Carlos Conde from…

The Philippines and China have been embroiled in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, with tensions escalating at the Second Thomas Shoal. Recent phone transcripts revealed a “1+1” model agreement between the two countries for resupply missions at the shoal. Despite the agreement, tensions flared when Filipino sailors were injured by Chinese water cannons. Manila denies the existence of a new model, while experts view China’s narrative as propaganda to shift blame. Analysts emphasize that agreements in the region must involve heads of states. The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs clarified that only President Marcos Jnr has authority…