AFP confirms it's monitored Chinese Navy ships passing through Palawan.

AFP’s response - On the issue of PLA navy warships monitored in Balabac Strait, Palawan

On June 19, four PLA Navy vessels were monitored transiting within 12 nautical miles of Palawan. At 1:49 p.m., two of these vessels were identified as the PLAN destroyer Luyang III (DDG-168) and the frigate Jiangkai II (FFG-570), moving at a speed of 13 knots, both heading southwest. The other two vessels, the destroyer Renhai (CG-105) and the replenishment oiler Fuchi (AOR-907), were monitored at 3:56 p.m. moving at a speed of 15 knots, both also heading southwest.

As part of standard operating procedure, these vessels were challenged and they responded accordingly.

Said area is commonly used by international vessels passing through our waters.

Our capability to monitor and respond to such activities is a testament to our commitment to maritime domain awareness and the protection of our territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights. Rest assured, the AFP remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime interests.

Hi. Malacanang's security cluster will hold a surprise press conference any moment now, the first since the June 17 incident in Ayungin Shoal. Expected to lead the briefing are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns Andres Centino. @here

Q: Is there fear that China will force Filipinos out of BRP Sierra Madre?

Centino: That is a consideration and we will be prepared for that.

Q: Does the PH gov't consider the Ayungin incident an armed attack?
Bersamin: No, it was probably a misunderstanding or an armed attack.

Hello! don't know which topic to reach out to but I'd like to ask the community: Does anyone know a hotline or some place where we can report suspected POGOs in our neighborhoods? Do we have a citizens' guide what to watch or look out for in case there ar suspicious activities? I hear stories from friends and relatives with these activities, apart from what I see from my neighbors even, and I wish we had more involvement if we're invaded and abused by foreigners right under our noses.

Another day, another press briefing. We're on standby for a briefing with Sec of National Defense Teodoro, National Security Adviser Sec Año, and DFA USec Lazaro

Hello, Althea. Let us check, get back to you

Sec Teodoro: Our policy in the West Philippine Sea has not changed... we will not give up an inch, not even a millimeter of our territory to any foreign power. We will continue to defend our territory and exercise our sovereign rights... We seek neither permission nor consent from anyone in performing our sworn duty in the West Philippine Sea.

Appears to be an effort by Malacanang to correct or walk back from Bersamin's statement last Friday, which caused uproar over the weekend.

This would be the second "clarification" following Bersamin's quip – first, from the NTF-WPS via Commodore Jay Tarriela on Saturday then today from no less than the Defense Chief himself.

Underscores Bersamin's major slip of tongue/ error in judgment. Because if that's not the case, it would be unfortunate that it took the President a visit to Wescom for his admin to realize that the incident in Ayungin should not be reduced to a mere misunderstanding or accident.

Perhaps calling it a misunderstanding was the misunderstanding

In such a volatile situation, it is extremely unwise to make a novice in diplomacy/security matters - even if he is a former chief justice - the government’s talking head. Bersamin should speak less about WPS in the future!

Not a good debut for the chairperson of the newly-established National Maritime Council – a body that is meant to set Philippine policy and strategy in ALL maritime areas, not just the WPS. 👀

The PAOCC says it does not have a hotline. Meanwhile, as we are checking other agencies, please use this channel to alert us on anything. Thank you.

NOW: Senate's Committee on Foreign Relations holds hearing on the CCG's harassment and disruption of a June 17 resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. @here

Pustahan, si Imee kakampi sa kabila.

Facundo narrates how he lost his thumb during the melee. We're also posted a video of China's ramming on X - https://x.com/beacupin/status/1805436066507505754

masyadong technical si Imee pag dating sa detalye laban sa kabilang side.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo says: We have been working hard to bring back China to the table to resolve these issues.

Discussion now is whether the ROREs to Ayungin is a military or PCG operation. To be clear: It's always been a military operation with PCG only providing escort and support. The PCG has always made this clear.

The Philippine Navy, however, typically civilian vessels during rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre (unlike other outposts in the West Philippine Sea, where gray ships are used). Still, these civilian ships (the Unaizah Mays) are manned by Navy personnel.

Teodoro addresses questions about this incident. He repeats AFP statement (they were challenged, and Chinese Navy vessels then responded) and adds it was innocent passage.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/afp-says-chinese-navy-ships-passed-palawan-june-19-2024/

Public hearing ends. Committee to hold an executive session.

Occidental Mindoro, facing the West Philippine Sea. Home of fisherfolk previously harassed by Chinese vessels. What was the provincial government thinking?
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/occidental-mindoro-plans-sisterhood-gansu-province-china-residents-reaction/

NOW: DFA Sec Enrique Manalo keynotes the East-West Center's International Media Conference in Manila.

AFP chief Gen Romeo Brawner issues statement titled "On the alarming surge in disinformation efforts"

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has observed an alarming surge in disinformation campaigns aimed at eroding the public's trust in our institution and the government. These efforts seek to sow panic, divide our nation, and distract us from pressing issues that demand our collective attention.

In these trying times, it is crucial for every Filipino to remain vigilant and critical of the information they encounter and share. Disinformation not only distorts the truth but also undermines our unity, making us vulnerable to external challenges that threaten our national security and stability.

We urge the public to verify sources and seek information from credible and official channels. Let us stand together in the face of these desperate attempts to spread discord. Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we can overcome any challenge.

The AFP remains committed to its duty of protecting our nation and upholding the peace and security agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. We call on every Filipino to join us in this endeavor, fostering a spirit of solidarity and resilience against those who wish to weaken our resolve.

GEN ROMEO S BRAWNER JR PA

Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines

UPDATE: The US State Dept, in a readout, says Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell brought up "luding at Second Thomas Shoal" in a conversation People’s Republic of China (PRC) Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

Says State Dept spokesperson Matthew Miller: "The Deputy Secretary also reiterated that U.S. commitments to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty remain ironclad. He also stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Deputy Secretary also reiterated concern over the PRC’s support for the Russian defense industrial base and discussed challenges on the Korean Peninsula."

Talks between Campbell and Ma are "part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication between the United States and the PRC and responsibly manage competition in the relationship."

UPDATE: National Security Adviser Sec Eduardo Año says he spoke to his American counterpart, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on June 27. The two talked about "the recent escalatory and violent actions against Philippine servicemen near Ayungin."

"The two NSAs also underscored the critical role of Manila's transparency policy on the West Philippine Sea and the primacy of resolving disputes through peaceful means as well as upholding a rules-based international order."

Meanwhile, Biden depressed me today 😔

LOOK: President Marcos, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, ES Lucas Bersamin, Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro and AFP Chief Gen. Romeo S. Browner lead the AFP's 1st Sem 2024 Command Conference at Camp Aguinaldo. (PPA pool)

According to the AFP, the 1st sem Command Conf was held to "review the progress of AFP’s campaigns and programs for the first semester and to provide further directives." AFP adds: "During the conference, ground commanders presented detailed updates on their respective operations and their assessment of internal and external security threats. An outbrief of Exercise Balikatan 39-2024 was also presented to the president."

@here Happening right now at the Rappler office: an exclusive Rappler+ briefing on the tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Security/foreign affairs reporter Bea Cupin discusses the situation at Ayungin Shoal.

Join us for future exclusive briefings like this by signing up for Rappler+ at https://rappler.com/offers

Editor-at-large Marites Vitug also comes in to discuss the flashpoints and bigger picture of the West Philippine Sea.

Join Rappler+ and get exclusive access to future briefings: https://rappler.com/offers

PCG, in a release to media, says it's been able to detect the movements of the China Coast Guard's 165-meter "monster ship" (CCG-5901) using Canada's Dark Vessel Detection system.

Says the PCG: On July 1st, the ship departed from Hainan and entered the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on the following day. On July 3rd, it traveled directly to Ayungin Shoal and later proceeded to Panganiban Reef. After a few hours, the ship was detected once again, this time heading towards Escoda Shoal. She was radio challenged by the PCG vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua. The PCG asked the intention of the Chinese ship and emphasized that it was operating within the Philippines' EEZ.

For over two consecutive days, the Chinese Coast Guard ship has been anchored at Escoda Shoal, maintaining a close proximity to BRP Teresa Magbanua. The distance between the two vessels is less than 800 yards, with the Chinese ship positioned on the starboard beam of the PCG vessel.

The Philippines and Japan sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement, enabling both countries to send troops to each other's territory for training and joint exercises. @here

Now that the RAA's been signed, we'll be bringing you updates on another major event in defense and foreign affairs in the Philippines – bilateral meetings between the foreign and defense ministers of the Philippines and Japan, as well as the 2nd 2+2 meeting between the 4 ministers.

We'll be covering these meetings, as well as the press conference at around 430pm later today @here

Now that it's signed, will the RAA have any trouble getting passed in the Senate?

This is where the 2+2 meeting will be taking place later today. Before that, the Philippines and Japan's ministers will be meeting separately.

@Bea Cupin what's the difference between RAA and VFA? What's in VFA that's not in RAA, and vice versa?

We don't have the full text of the RAA just yet but there's a lot of emphasis on the fact that the agreement with Japan is reciprocal, which the ease of deployment for joint exercises and training goes both ways.

Ah, sa VFA unrequited love (to borrow the title of @marites vitug and Camille Elemia's new book), @Bea Cupin ? 😬

Haha! In fairness, I think it's also because of Japan and the Philippines' proximity? Would be practical for military forces to be familiar with both Philippine and Japanese soil, esp when you're talking about littoral capabilities. But we shall find out when the full text is made public or after the presser later!

A peek into what happens behind the scenes – Philippine and Japanese officials negotiate with media over positions ahead of Manalo and Kamikawa's arrival. No untoward incidents during the photo/video spray and the opening statements, I'm glad to report :)

WATCH opening statements from the foreign ministers here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkB3hD1y0bw

2+2 meeting happening now! Updates coming in from Bea

During the opening remarks for the 2+2 meeting, Philippine Foreign Secretary Manalo said Japan and the Philippines' strategic partnership adds to stability in the Indo-Pacific. Says they will touch on the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula, among other things, during the bilateral meeting with defense officials from Manila and Tokyo. RAA, notes Manalo, brings PH-Japan bilateral ties to "unprecedented heights."

Defense Sec Gibo Teodoro, meanwhile, said the RAA was an "instrument of trust" and that it begins a "greater work" of building bilateral and multilateral confidence between the two militaries.

Press briefing with the defense and foreign ministers of the Philippines and Japan begins in a few. We'll be streaming this live on Rappler.

Press briefing has started. SFA Manalo says 2+2 meeting between PH and Japan a "milestone" in bilateral relations.

From Bea: 2+2 meeting ends with a handshake between the four ministers

Hello! We'll be talking to Joshua Espeña later about the RAA, and PH-Japan ties. If you have any questions, please leave them here (about the implications, perhaps not the text of the RAA itself)! @here

LOOK: Naval Forces Northern Luzon, AFP celebrate the "7th anniversary of the Philippine Rise" at Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union. FF150 conducted a Flag Raising Ceremony, followed by a flyby of the C130 aircraft, showcasing the country’s aerospace security capabilities and symbolizing national strength over the Philippine Rise, according to the AFP.

Photos by Naval Forces Northern Luzon

@here

Happy Anniversary!

AFP, in a statement says they've gotten reports of a "bilateral China-Russia exercise in the Philippine Sea."

AFP: What they do in the high seas is being monitored. The AFP is committed to ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We will continue to monitor this situation to ensure PH sovereign rights are not violated. We emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and urge all parties to adhere to international laws and norms.

Good morning security/global affairs channel! I hope the past week has been kind. We end the week remembering a milestone for the Philippines: the 2016 Arbitral Ruling.

Secretary of State Blinken’s statement on the eighth anniversary of the Arbitral Tribunal Ruling:

Eight years ago, a unanimous Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention determined that the People’s Republic of China’s expansive South China Sea maritime claims are inconsistent with international law. In its ruling, the Tribunal firmly rejected any PRC territorial or maritime claim to areas determined by the Tribunal to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. As provided under the Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC and the Philippines.

Over the past year, the PRC’s use of water cannons, dangerous maneuvers, and destructive tactics – including ramming, forcible towing, and boarding that has resulted in damage to Philippine vessels and injury to Philippine service members – has routinely interfered with the lawful exercise of high seas freedoms in areas where the Arbitral Tribunal determined the PRC has no lawful territorial or maritime claims. The PRC’s actions reflect a blatant disregard for international law as well as the safety and livelihoods of Filipinos.

The United States remains deeply concerned about the PRC’s assertion of “territorial sovereignty” over vast areas that are clearly within the maritime jurisdiction of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, and where high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply under international law. Upholding the international law of the sea, as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, is in the interest of the entire international community and remains vital to the peace, security, and prosperity of all nations.

We continue to call on the PRC to abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling, to cease its dangerous and destabilizing conduct, and to comport its conduct as well as its territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea to the international law of the sea as reflected in the Convention.

We're livestreaming a Stratbase-organized forum on the Arbitral Ruling. Top security, defense, and diplomacy officials from the Philippines and like-minded countries are here.

https://youtu.be/uVwaBqoqNJA

Retired justice Antonio Carpio on China's newest claims that it's the BRP Sierra Madre that's ruining the maritime environment in West Philippine Sea: China should stop harassing our resupply ships so we can repair the Sierra Madre. He also points out that any damage caused by the BRP Sierra Madre is nothing compared to the destruction of maritime areas as a result of China's island-building activities.

LOOK: Recent Pulse Asia survey indicates most Filipinos agree that the current Marcos admin "must continue asserting our maritime rights and protecting our territory in the West Philippine Sea."

LOOK: 125 soldiers from the Philippine Army join their Australian Army counterparts for the month-long Philippine-Australia (PH-AUS) Exercise Carabaroo 2024 in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia on July 15, 2024. (Philippine Army photos)