LOOK: The newest warship of the Philippine Navy, the future BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), during the arrival ceremony on April 08, 2025, at Naval Operating Base Subic, Zambales. (DND photos) @here

A new warship has arrived but is still under the same "old" approach to the West Philippines Sea issue. This is similar to the building of the "Yamato," a new ship under the Imperial Japanese Navy, but based on the traditional naval war strategy. Would this not go to waste? 🤔

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a news briefing today, says 3 of 5 undersea drones were made in China. "55-80% likelihood that these were deployed by the CCP," says Navy spokesperson for the WPS RAdm Trinidad. 

Notes that the drones were able to map out underwater terrain. | via @Bea Cupin - RAPPLER

Hello Rapper friends from the USA-Oregon ! We love Maria Ressa and we love all of our Philipino sisters and brothers.
Easter is coming and the Catholic church family has so many representives in Rome.
The USA is sending one of our governent leaders to Rome for the holy day. Yes, none other than Trumps hatchet man Vice President JD VANCE .

Speaking for the vast majority of the American people-70% or more…. I apologize. He cannot insult Jesus and he is weak and lacks any humily aka faith. I am sorry Rome must endure his visit. We The People of the democratic republic called the USA know what foul and mean spirited person he is. We must deal with him and the nightmare of his administration every day. On Easter he will have God to answer too. God is with him alway JD just needs are ears to hear and eyes to see.

US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo are guests of honor in this year's Balikatan opening ceremony. The Balikatan is a yearly bilateral military exercise between the US and the Philippines. This year, the two sides will be implementing a "full-battle" war game scenario. Drills and exercises begin today until May 5. | via @Bea Cupin - RAPPLER

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will be visiting the Philippines from April 29 to 30, 2025. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will welcome him in official engagements at the Malacañang Palace on April 29.

The meeting aims to "deepen and improve economic and development cooperation, political and defense engagements, and people-to-people exchanges." The two leaders are "expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, and explore new pathways towards peace and stability under the ‘Strengthened Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries." | via @Bea Cupin - RAPPLER

Good morning! Everyone. Here's a Balikatan update from the AFP. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/view-manila-united-states-battle-test-balikatan-2025-details/

Yesterday (April 25), the AFP led a Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX) some 21 nautical miles west of the coast of San Felipe, Zambales, as part of the ongoing Multilateral Maritime Event (MME) of Exercise Balikatan 40-2025.

Here's what the AFP had to say about the drill: "The drill involved live-fire maneuvers using .50 caliber guns and was participated in by the Philippine Navy BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and BRP Conrado Yap (PS36). The Philippine Coast Guard contributed with the deployment of its Offshore Patrol Vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301). On the United States side, the USS Savannah (LCS 28) and USS Comstock (LSD 45) took part in the training event. The GUNNEX served as a platform for the joint forces to refine naval surface warfare tactics, improve communication interoperability, and strengthen maritime domain awareness in the West Philippine Sea."