The Latest Breaking News from Manila

Philippines president summons China envoy over laser incident

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr summoned China's ambassador on Tuesday to express his "serious concern" over China's actions in the South China Sea and the foreign ministry called on Beijing to stop its vessels' "aggressive activities".

Reuters · Feb 14, 2023

U.S. backs Philippines in laser dispute with China

The United States on Monday said it stood with the Philippines after Manila accused China's coast guard of using a laser to try to disrupt a resupply mission to troops in the South China Sea.

Reuters · Feb 14, 2023

Manila accuses China of ‘dangerous’ manoeuvres in South China Sea

Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese used ‘military-grade laser’ against a ship carrying supplies to the Sierra Madre.

Al Jazeera · Feb 13, 2023

2 robbery ring suspects sent back, arrested

MANILA -- Metropolitan Police Department officers on Tuesday arrested two Japanese men suspected of involvement in a recent string of robberies in Japan, with the arrest officially taking place aboard a deportation flight to Narita Airport from the Philippines, which had transferred the men to Japanese custody.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Feb 7, 2023

Philippines coast guard chief says boosts S. China Sea presence

MANILA: The Philippine Coast Guard has stepped up its presence in the disputed South China Sea by deploying additional vessels and conducting more sorties and overflights to protect maritime territory and the country's fishermen, its chief said on Monday.

Bangkok Post · Feb 6, 2023

All 36 officials get sack at Manila lockup

MANILA -- Philippine authorities announced Saturday that they had dismissed all 36 officials, including the director, at the Bicutan detention center in a Manila suburb, where four Japanese men suspected of involvement in a string of robberies across Japan are being held.

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Feb 5, 2023

US secures key military deal with the Philippines to counter Beijing’s growing regional influence

The Philippines signed an agreement with the United States on Thursday that will allow American soldiers free access to four of its new military bases at a time of growing unease in the Indo-Pacific region over China's burgeoning influence.

France 24 · Feb 3, 2023

Hearings for 2 suspects continue in R.P.

MANILA -- Two of four Japanese men suspected of involvement in a recent string of robberies in Japan, currently being held in a detention center near Manila, are scheduled to face court hearings on Tuesday after decisions on their treatment were postponed on Thursday. The extradition of all four suspects…

The Japan News/Yomiuri · Feb 3, 2023

Explainer-Why U.S. seeks closer security cooperation with the Philippines

The Philippines this week granted the United States greater access to its military bases, amid mounting concern over China's intentions toward self-ruled Taiwan and Beijing's extensive claims in the disputed South China Sea.

Reuters · Feb 2, 2023

The U.S. and the Philippines agree to a larger American military presence

The Department of Defense announced the move that is widely seen as a way to deter China's influence in the region amid a visit to the Philippines by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

WEKU · Feb 2, 2023