The varying influence of religious groups on Philippine politics was on display this month, potentially impacting the work of Congress and even the results of the midterm national and local elections scheduled for May. On January 13, the Christian church Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) mobilized more than a million ofContinue Reading
Four major developments shaped the security environment in the South China Sea in 2024: (1) increased Chinese coercion against Philippine naval vessels and aircraft; (2) adoption of a new maritime defense strategy by the Philippines; (3) Vietnam’s stepped-up construction activities in the Spratly Islands; and (4) slow progress in negotiationsContinue Reading
The training covered safe vessel boarding at sea, maritime law, evidence collection and preservation, safety and risk mitigation and arrest techniques, according to the statement. The Australian Border Force joined the coast guard, customs enforcers and fisheries surveillance officials at the training as observers. China has stepped up expansion ofContinue Reading
