PHILIPPINES WARNS VS RECRUITMENT INTO FOREIGN ARMED FORCES 

Following reports that Filipino nations had been recruited into foreign armed forces, the DFA issued this statement on February 11: 

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly cautions Filipino nationals against accepting overseas employment offers that may involve recruitment into foreign armed forces, including under the guise of regular civilian employment in other sectors.

Participation in foreign armed conflicts exposes Filipinos to grave danger and serious legal consequences. Recruitment into foreign armed forces, whether directly or indirectly, may violate Philippine laws and lead to loss of citizenship.

Filipinos seeking overseas employment are strongly encouraged to verify job offers, recruitment agencies, and employers with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and to remain vigilant against illegal or deceptive recruitment practices that may put their lives and welfare at serious risk. 

The Philippines and the Netherlands are exploring potential collaboration opportunities in semiconductors, agriculture, and water management. 🇵🇭🤝🇳🇱

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and Dutch Trade Minister Aukje de Vries discussed these opportunities during de Vries' two-day visit to the Philippines from February 9 to 10.

The Dutch Embassy says the visit focused on strengthening Manila and Amsterdam's trade relationship as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. The two also explored possible deeper collaborations in coastal protection, healthcare, and the Philippines' priorities as ASEAN chair.

De Vries also met with Dutch companies in the Philippines during her stay. The Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines also forged a partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to promote a business-friendly environment.

"With 85% of globally manufactured chips using Dutch technology and the Philippines serving as a critical production hub for testing and packaging, the complementary nature of both nations' semiconductor capabilities creates natural synergies," the Dutch Embassy wrote.

The Netherlands was the Philippines' 13th largest trading partner in 2020 and Manila's 10th largest export market. Several major Dutch firms are also in the Philippines, such as ING Bank, Heineken International, tech and electronics firm Philips, among others. Photo courtesy of Dutch Embassy in Manila

PH, JAPAN DEFENSE TIES

The Japanese embassy in the Philippines had a ceremonial handover of five (5) Coastal Radar Systems under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY 2023 to the Philippine Department of National Defense. 

“The milestone highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, anchored on a shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said the DND in a statement. 

Some details over the coastal radar systems: 

Funded under the OSA FY 2023 grant amounting to JPY 600,000,000.00, the Coastal Radar Systems will significantly enhance the Philippine Navy's Maritime Domain Awareness. The project includes radar units, surveillance and monitoring equipment, communications systems, and other support components designed to strengthen coastal monitoring and maritime security operations.

The integration of these systems is expected to expand surveillance coverage, improve early detection and tracking of surface contacts, and enhance coordination in maritime operations. The capability will support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), and other lawful security operations.

The systems are under the Philippine Navy. 

The word war seems to be far from over.

The Chinese embassy, in a statement today, tells the Philippines: Speak with one voice.

In a statement attributed to its spokesperson Ji Lingpeng, the Chinese embassy in Manila says: "A healthy dialogue between China and the Philippines requires constructive statements from both sides. As such, we urge the Philippine side to speak with a unified and constructive voice and hope the DFA to play a constructive role in leading the efforts to manage differences and advance the overall bilateral relationship."

FULL STATEMENT — 

The Chinese Embassy values candid and constructive dialogues with the DFA on the basis of mutual respect. With our relentless efforts，political consultation between the two foreign ministries resumed after a yearlong hiatus.

It is well known that the recent public exchanges between the Chinese Embassy and some Philippine officials and institutions started when Jay Tarriela kept attacking and smearing China and even crossed the line of attacking the Chinese leader. It was always them who attacked China first. The Chinese Embassy responded in a calm, professional and constructive manner to defend the national interests and dignity of China. There is even no one case that the Chinese embassy attacked first. We just responded.

A healthy dialogue between China and the Philippines requires constructive statements from both sides. As such, we urge the Philippine side to speak with a unified and constructive voice and hope the DFA to play a constructive role in leading the efforts to manage differences and advance the overall bilateral relationship.

Chinese embassy to DFA: ‘Restrain’ those who ‘slander or smear’ China 

Once again, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines suggest a course of action for its host country.

In a statement on February 17, Chinese embassy in Manila, through spokesperson Ji Lingpeng says the Department of Foreign Affairs should “play a responsible role in restraining certain individuals in the Philippines from making” remarks that are “slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred.”

Full statement from the embassy: 

Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Ji Lingpeng

China remains committed to managing differences and resolving disputes with the Philippine side through dialogue and consultation. At the same time, we firmly oppose any slander or smear against China, as well as irresponsible remarks that incite hatred. We urge the DFA to play a responsible role in restraining certain individuals in the Philippines from making such remarks, in order to prevent any undermining or harm to ongoing diplomatic efforts. 

LOOK: AFP Chief Brawner visits Cambodia, Thailand with PH as new ASEAN Observer Team 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ chief General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led a delegation to Thailand and Cambodia from February 9 to 14 “to engage his counterparts and reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to its mandate as Chair of the AOT.” Manila took over as chairperson of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in February 2026, succeeding former chair Malaysia. 

Brawner met with Thailand’s General Ukris Boontanondha on February 9, then with Prime Minister Hun Manet, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Tea Seiha, and General Vong Pisen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces on February 12. 

Brawner also visited the borders areas of Thailand and Cambodia on separate dates. 

“As Chair of the ASEAN Observer Team, the AFP’s role is strictly limited to observing, verifying, and reporting developments on the ground, in accordance with ASEAN protocols and the principle of non-interference," said the military in a release.

The Philippines will be deploying additional teams that will be headed by a two-star general. A Brigadier General will be assigned to the AOT in Thailand, while a Commodore will lead the AOT in Cambodia. 

(AFP photos)

LOOK: PH Navy commissions two new vessels

The Philippine Navy on February 24 commissioned the BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) and BRP Audrey Bañares (PG910) into active service.

The BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) is the lead ship of the Rajah-Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) while the BRP Audrey Bañares (PG910) is a fast-attack interdiction craft. The latter is named after the late Philippine Navy SEAL Team member Engineman Third Class Jose Audrey A Bañares PN, "whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire Filipino sailors and marines during the height of the Zamboanga seige."

Promote Justice Through Peace. 💙

KOREAN PRESIDENT TO VISIT IN MARCH

Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae Myung will be in the Philippines for a state visit from March 3 to 4, Malacañang announced on February 27.

This will be Lee's first visit to the Philippines and the first state visit from Korea since a Free Trade Agreement between Manila and Seoul took effect in 2024. The two countries are also celebrating 77 years of diplomatic ties.

 
Marcos and Lee are expected to "discuss cooperation in defense, maritime cooperation, economic and development collaboration, and people-to-people ties" during their bilateral meeting, as well as "exchange views on regional and international issues and reaffirm the vibrant and dynamic relations between the Philippines and the ROK."

South Korea is one of the Philippines' five Strategic Partners.