Thirty-one Filipino from Syria who availed the government’s Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP) arrived Wednesday, November 11, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. “The 31 repatriates previously worked and resided in Latakia, Tartous, Aleppo and Damascus before deciding to avail of the MRP and sought shelter at the Philippine Embassy in Damascus’ halfway Quarters,” DFA said. […]
2 ASG terrorists killed in clash with 35th Infantry Battalion
Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were reported killed during an encounter with 35th Infantry Battalion troopers in Patikul town, Sulu Thursday morning. This was disclosed by Joint Task Group-Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado. He added the information was forwarded to them by their intelligence operatives. The ASG bandits were killed during a 7:30 […]
How to avoid substandard Christmas lights with fake ICC stickers
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is warning Filipino consumers against substandard Christmas lights with fake Import Commodity Clearance stickers. DTI said substandard quality of these lights may make them unsafe to use. Uncertified Christmas lights may cause fire accidents, which may lead damage to lives and properties, DTIA warned. “Christmas lights with fake […]
BRP Ramon Alcaraz to help secure APEC meet
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), one of the country’s most modern warships, will help secure delegates in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting on Nov. 17 to 20. The former Hamilton-class cutter will help the Coast Guard implement its no-sail policy in Manila Bay which is behind the Philippine International Convention Center in […]
Security command center activated for APEC Leaders’ Meeting
The Philippine National Police opened to media on Wednesday, November 11 the Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting next week at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). It is equipped with a Video Wall System and radio communication to provide timely and efficient response to the security needs […]
PH tells China: Arbitration a peaceful, enduring solution to sea row
The Philippines on Wednesday said it is determined to see through the conclusion of its arbitration case that seeks to invalidate China’s huge sea claim amid Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s accusation that Manila’s legal challenge has strained ties between the two countries. Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose maintained that arbitration, “a universally-recognized dispute settlement […]
Erap: Manila to showcase the best of PH’s capital during APEC meet
As world attention will be focused on Metro Manila during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting in the country from November 18 to 19, Mayor Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada expressed confidence and assurance that the city of Manila will rise up to the challenge of showcasing the best of the country’s Capital […]
Enrile: Why protest EDCA if survival of the country is at stake
“My God, we are facing a problem that’s beyond the capability of the country to handle militarily, even politically,” Senator Juan Ponce Enrile said after the Senate adopted Senator Miriam Santiago’s Senate Resolution No. 1414 declaring Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) invalid without concurrence from Senate. Enrile, Senators Franklin Drilon and Bam Aquino abstained, while […]
Senator Bongbong: We should take every opportunity to talk to the Chinese
Vice presidential candidate Senator Bongbong Marcos is urging the government to take advantage of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting taking place next week to mend Philippines-China diplomatic relations that has been strained in recent years over West Philippine Sea maritime dispute. “I think we should take every opportunity to talk to the Chinese, be […]
PH retains UN Commission on International Trade Law membership
The Philippines retained its membership at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). “The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) re-elected the Philippines to the UN Commission on International Trade Law on November 09,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said. UNGA held elections to elect 23 members to the UNCITRAL to serve from June […]
Chinese Minister in Manila: China values relationship with Philippines
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Manila for a one-day Working Visit upon the invitation of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario today. The two officials discussed the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders Meeting next week in Manila. “Foreign Minister Wang expressed China’s support for the Philippines in hosting APEC this year and said […]
Senate declares EDCA an invalid treaty: Only one voted ‘no’
The Senate of the Philippines voted today demanding that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) should be submitted by the Office of the President to Senate for concurrence. Senate Resolution No. 1414, authored by Senator Miriam Santiago, was adopted with 15 affirmative votes, 1 negative, and three abstentions. Miriam Defensor Santiago, Juan Edgardo Angara, Nancy […]
Tribunal schedules hearing on merits of PH arbitration case against China
The Arbitral Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands has scheduled the hearing on merits of case filed by Philippines against China regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute on November 24 to 30. “The Oral Hearing on the merits of the Philippines-China arbitration case under Annex VII of the United Nations […]
Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister pays courtesy call to President Aquino
The Foreign Affairs Minister of China Wang Yi paid a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III today, November 10 at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace. Wang Yi is in the country for a working visit at the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. Del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory […]
Marcos Jewelry Collection intended for auction
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) have agreed to auction the Marcos Jewelry Collection with price tag between USD5 to USD8 million. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), BOC and PCGG will conduct physical inventory, appraisal and auction of the ill gotten wealth of former President Ferdinand Marcos, […]
China wants to meet PH halfway on issue of maritime dispute
China wants to meet Philippines halfway on the issue of West Philippine Sea dispute. “It is hoped that the Philippine side will meet China halfway, implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries during last year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, constructively handle relevant issues and create atmosphere and conditions for the return […]
All Navy AW-109Es likely to be deployed for APEC security work
There is a huge possibility that the Philippine Navy (PN)’s five brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 “Power” naval helicopters will be deployed to provide additional security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Metro Manila next week. The five aircraft are ideal for security work as they are all equipped with NVG (night vision gear) […]
PNP to protesters: Please respect our rights, too
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will strictly implement maximum tolerance to protesters expected to stage rallies during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events next week where state heads from member economies are attending. The PNP said it will maintain peace and provide proper protection to those exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The national police […]
PNP receives EOD kits, robots from US
The Philippine National Police received 32 Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment and 6 Ford Ranger pick-up trucks from United States Department of State Anti-terrorism Assistance (DS-ATA) Program in the Philippines. The turnover ceremony of donated equipment and vehicles was conducted November 9 at Camp Crame, Quezon City. The PNP said 32 EOD equipment include […]
PH, China foreign affairs heads to hold rare bilateral meeting
China Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be coming to Manila tomorrow, November 10 for a working visit. This is ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting next week where Chinese President Xi Jinping was confirmed to be attending. Wang Yi will be meeting with his Filipino counterpart Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. […]