The Philippines is set to implement stricter visa controls for Chinese nationals, a move that is expected to draw retaliation from Beijing. The policy aims to address issues with fake documents and is in line with practices from other countries. Analysts suggest the measure is a protective step amidst concerns over Chinese activities in the Philippines, including Pogo operations. The Pogo industry has been linked to espionage and cyberattacks against the Philippine government. Opposition senators have called for a ban on Pogos due to national security threats, while others urge caution in attributing cyberattacks solely to the maritime conflict with China.

The Philippines is raising concerns over coral reef damage in the South China Sea, attributing it to China's reclamation activities. Research and reports indicate that China's actions, including dredging and landfill operations, have caused significant harm to marine life and coral reefs, with the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative highlighting the extensive damage over the past decade. The environmental degradation has economic implications for the Philippines, affecting fish supply and national economy. Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros has called for China to be held financially accountable for the damage, with potential compensation aiding the country's economic crisis.

Philippine officials, including Defence Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr and Military Chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr, have accused Beijing of violating the country's Anti-Wire Tapping Law after the Chinese embassy in Manila released a transcript of a phone call allegedly confirming a maritime agreement. The deal, which was supposedly agreed upon by Western Command Chief Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos, involved protocols for the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippines followed the agreement in February but faced aggressive actions from the Chinese coastguard in March. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and others have denied the legitimacy of the agreement, calling it fabricated. Opposition senator Risa Hontiveros and retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio have also weighed in, with Carpio stating that any such deal is invalid and the embassy should be called out for improper communication.

An increase in Chinese maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea coincides with the start of the Balikatan military exercises involving US, Philippine, Australian, and French troops. Major General Marvin Licudine of the Philippines stated that the drills are not aimed at any specific party and are focused on interoperability and freedom of navigation. Analysts Sherwin Ona and Ray Powell provided insights into the Chinese presence, suggesting it could be a tactic to reinforce a victim narrative or that the vessels may be intentionally making themselves more detectable. The Philippines' Army Colonel Michael Logico commented on the practical aspects of the exercise.

Filipino congressman Robert Ace Barbers has described the influx of Chinese workers, businessmen, tourists, and students in the Philippines as a 'creeping invasion,' raising alarms over national security. Concerns include foreigners obtaining Filipino identification documents and the presence of Chinese nationals in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. Military officials express unease about the proximity of Chinese nationals to strategic locations. Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba, however, sees no security threat from the foreign students, attributing their presence to educational agreements. A resolution by representatives Joseph Lara and Faustino Dy V highlights the risks to national security and the economy. Defence analyst Chester Cabalza notes the geopolitical significance of the influx, while military historian Jose Antonio Custodio links it to corruption and a porous immigration system. The issue coincides with escalating territorial disputes between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing calls for treason charges over a 'gentleman's agreement' with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the South China Sea. Critics, including Senator Risa Hontiveros and political analyst Sherwin Ona, argue that Duterte's deal, which involved not building new facilities in disputed waters, betrayed Philippine sovereignty and failed to act in the nation's interest. The agreement has been criticized for potentially weakening the Philippines' position in the South China Sea, particularly concerning the BRP Sierra Madre, a strategic outpost. While some defend Duterte's intentions to ease bilateral tensions, others demand accountability and legal action.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte claimed that China threatened war if the Philippines insisted on its own way in the West Philippine Sea. Duterte denied any 'gentlemen’s deal' with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating they only agreed on maintaining the status quo. The Philippines has a Mutual Defence Treaty with the United States, which President Joe Biden affirmed as 'ironclad.' Experts suggest that both the US and China would avoid conflict in the South China Sea due to economic interdependence, but also warn that Manila must prepare for potential conflict.

The death toll from a landslide in the southern Philippine mining village of Masara, Maco town, Davao de Oro province, has reached at least 68, with 51 people still missing. The landslide, caused by days of heavy rains on February 5, buried part of the community under mud. Apex Mining Co. Inc., which employs many of the victims, has not been ordered to suspend operations by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, despite progressive groups calling for the company to be held liable. The U.S. has provided nearly $1.25 million in aid, and the Philippine military is assisting with relief efforts. The Philippines is highly susceptible to natural disasters, and the Davao region has been particularly affected by floods and landslides, with significant environmental and economic losses.

Babcock, Bechtel Australia, and HII have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on supporting Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program. This collaboration aims to address challenges such as skilled workforce development, nuclear infrastructure design, submarine decommissioning, and nuclear waste management. The companies bring over 150 years of collective experience in submarine support and infrastructure projects. The partnership is seen as crucial for Australia's defense capabilities and emphasizes adherence to safety standards and public trust.

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Philippine armed forces, reported that a Chinese ship rammed the boat he was on during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine military outpost in the South China Sea. The incident, which included water cannon and sound blasts from Chinese vessels, was labeled a 'serious escalation' by Philippine officials. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed a Philippine boat rammed a Chinese ship, accusing the Philippines of violating China's sovereignty. The event led to diplomatic protests from both nations and drew condemnation from the United States, the European Union, and Japan.

A Philippine civilian convoy set to deliver supplies to troops and fishermen in the West Philippine Sea aborted their mission after Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons and sound blasts against them. The incident occurred near Scarborough Shoal, a contested area controlled by China since 2012. The Philippine government filed a diplomatic protest, and the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines may be declared persona non grata. President Ferdinand Marcos emphasized the Philippines' sovereignty and legal rights in the region. International support for the Philippines was expressed by ambassadors from the United States, European Union, and France, condemning China's actions and upholding the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated China's claims over the South China Sea.

A bombing during a Catholic Mass in Marawi city, Philippines, which resulted in four deaths, has highlighted deficiencies in the Philippine military's intelligence capabilities. The attack, claimed by Islamic State extremists, was a response to military offensives against militants. Two Filipino suspects, Kadapi Mimbesa and Arsani Membisa, have been identified. Despite previous awareness of potential attacks, the military admitted to limitations in covering all activities in Mindanao. Officials, including Armed Forces spokesman Col. Medel Agular and former national police chief Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, acknowledged the need for enhanced intelligence and security preparations. The suspects are linked to the Daulah Islamiyah, a local IS affiliate, and are residents of Marawi.

Six people were killed during village elections in the southern Philippines, with most violence occurring in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The victims were voters or candidate supporters, and the violence was attributed to the proliferation of firearms and the hiring of former rebels as private armies. The elections, which had been postponed from the previous year by then-President Duterte, involved over 336,000 positions. Incidents included a shooting in Maguindanao del Norte and a fatal scuffle between brothers in Lanao del Sur. Over 67 million Filipinos were registered to vote, and around 300,000 security personnel were deployed. Prior to the elections, thousands were arrested for violating a gun ban.

Dozens of Filipino workers who contributed to the construction of stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar have filed a lawsuit in a U.S. federal court against Jacobs Solutions and CH2M Hill, alleging inhumane and dangerous working conditions. The lawsuit accuses the firms of human trafficking, passport confiscation, and forcing workers to endure long hours in extreme heat without proper compensation. The workers are seeking damages under the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. Jacobs Solutions has not yet formally responded to the lawsuit. Human rights groups have previously criticized Qatar for its treatment of migrant workers, and The Guardian reported over 6,500 worker deaths since Qatar was awarded the World Cup hosting rights. The Confederation of Filipino Workers supports the lawsuit, emphasizing the need for justice and addressing the systemic flaws that endanger lives and human dignity.

Thailand's defense minister Sutin Klungsang announced the suspension of the purchase of a Chinese-built S26T diesel-electric attack submarine, opting instead to procure a frigate from China with the allocated funds. The decision was influenced by strategic cooperation and trade ties with China, and the Thai government's rejection of a proposal to use a Chinese-made CHD620 engine as an alternative to the German MTU 396 engine, which cannot be exported due to an EU arms embargo. The Royal Thai Navy's submarine program, which began with the intent to procure three attack submarines in 2015, has faced delays and funding issues, with the first submarine's completion date pushed to April 2024.

The French Navy's Rubis-class SSN Perle is operational again after completing its maintenance and repair period on June 30, 2023, following a fire in June 2020. The submarine underwent unprecedented repair work, including a unique 'transplanting' operation where the forward section of a decommissioned Rubis-class SSN, Saphir, was welded to Perle's aft section. Perle has been upgraded to implement the F21 heavyweight torpedo and has operational potential until 2028. The fire had left a capability gap in the French submarine force, but with Perle's return, the Navy now has 5 operational SSNs, with the Suffren class soon to be fully operational.

Google has banned YouTube channels associated with Apollo Quiboloy, a Philippine megachurch pastor sanctioned by the U.S. for alleged sex abuse and an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The channels for Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ and Sonshine Media Network International, which he owns, were terminated for violating YouTube's Terms of Service. The U.S. Treasury Department has accused Quiboloy of systemic and pervasive rape and other physical abuse. Quiboloy, who claims to be the 'appointed son of God,' is on the FBI's Most Wanted list for multiple charges, though he faces no charges in the Philippines. Duterte has previously expressed support for Quiboloy. Following the takedown of his personal channel, Quiboloy challenged the U.S. government on his SMNI program, claiming he is 'bulletproof' against the allegations.

Philippine and US Marine Corps troops will collaborate to sink a decommissioned Philippine Navy replenishment tanker as part of the Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) from July 6 to 21. The exercise, known as a maritime strike, will occur off San Antonio, Zambales on July 13, focusing on coastal defense. The ex-BRP Lake Caliraya, donated to the Navy in 2014 and decommissioned in 2020, will be the target. This is the second sinking exercise in 2023, with the first involving the BRP Pangasinan during the Balikatan exercises. The MASA aims to enhance interoperability and territorial defense capabilities, with 1,257 AFP personnel and 1,444 US personnel participating, along with seven PN ships.

The Philippine Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of harassing its vessels during a mission to deliver supplies to troops at Ayungin Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident, involving aggressive actions by Chinese vessels, is the second in four months and contravenes international maritime regulations. Despite the presence of People's Liberation Army Navy boats, the Philippine mission was successful. China's actions in the disputed sea, which is claimed by multiple countries, have been increasingly aggressive, including militarization and obstruction of resupply missions. Philippine senators have called for international support to address China's behavior, and the issue has affected the distribution of films like 'Barbie' due to the depiction of China's contested nine-dash line.

Gilberto Teodoro, the newly appointed Philippine defense minister, expressed support for joint patrols with the United States in the South China Sea and emphasized that Manila's defense arrangements are its own concern. His appointment comes amid heightened tensions in the region, which is claimed by several countries. Teodoro, who has familial ties to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and previously served under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, stated that building the Philippines' credible deterrence is a priority. The Philippines has recently allowed the U.S. increased access to its bases, a move criticized by Beijing. Teodoro affirmed the Philippines' sovereignty and referenced the UNCLOS, which underpinned a 2016 ruling against China's claims in the South China Sea.

The article reports on recent clashes between the Philippine military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), an Islamic State-linked group, in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines. The military confirmed the death of 44 militants following tips from residents and intelligence efforts. The BIFF, a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), engaged in intense firefights with the troops, resulting in numerous casualties and the seizure of weapons and bombs. Despite the BIFF's pledge of allegiance to IS, their recruitment efforts are reportedly failing due to increased awareness and prevention of violent extremism by local governments and the military. The article also touches on the broader context of militant activity in the region, including the Marawi siege and ongoing concerns about security in southern cities.

A tanker with 800,000 liters of industrial fuel sank near Oriental Mindoro province in the central Philippines due to engine trouble and rough seas. All 20 crew members were rescued by a Panama-flagged ship. The Philippine Coast Guard is investigating for an oil spill and has deployed BRP Melchora Aquino to assess the situation. A previous spill occurred last month in Batangas, and the country's worst spill happened in 2006 with over 2.1 million liters of fuel spilled.

A human rights group has challenged the official narrative of a police and military raid in Pikit, Cotabato province, Philippines, which resulted in six deaths, including five suspects and a female bystander. The Moro Consensus Group alleges the incident was an extrajudicial killing rather than a legitimate operation. The raid, which occurred on December 29, 2021, was part of an effort to serve an arrest warrant to Joel Manampan, a wanted individual. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which governs the autonomous Muslim region, stated that the operation did not comply with ceasefire protocols established by the peace process. The MILF has taken control of the situation to ease tensions in the village. The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of military and police operations in areas controlled by the MILF, recalling a 2015 event where 44 police commandos were killed during a raid.

Philippine authorities, responding to the Chinese embassy's call, have committed to seeking justice for the death of 27-year-old Chinese man Yang Kang, who died after falling from a building in Manila while handcuffed. The incident, which occurred as Yang tried to escape from alleged captivity over unpaid debts, has led to the Philippine National Police closing in on his Chinese employer, who faces illegal detention charges. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jnr stated that the Philippines would allow Chinese investigators to assist if needed, emphasizing the importance of protecting Chinese nationals to avoid repercussions for Filipino workers in China. President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered an investigation into the matter, amidst concerns over the treatment of Chinese workers in the Philippines, particularly in illegal gambling operations.

The article reports on the aftermath of Typhoon Bopha in the southern Philippines, particularly focusing on the town of New Bataan. It highlights the plight of the residents, with over 300,000 people left homeless and many still searching for missing relatives. The risk of disease is escalating due to decomposing bodies and inadequate shelter, with children and pregnant women being particularly vulnerable. The International Federation of the Red Cross and other organizations are mentioned as sources of aid and information. The challenges of rehabilitation and reconstruction are emphasized, with the United Nations having requested $65 million in aid, but only a fraction of that amount has been received. The article conveys a sense of despair among the survivors and a lack of hope for a quick recovery.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his past grievances with the United States, particularly with former President Barack Obama, during the inauguration of the Northern Mindanao Wellness and Reintegration Center in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. Duterte recalled being offended by Obama's criticism of his human rights record at a press conference in Laos during the ASEAN Summit in 2016. Despite this, Duterte claimed he harbors no ill feelings towards America. The article also mentions the Philippine National Police's count of over 4,000 deaths in the drug war, excluding vigilante killings, which is lower than the 12,000 estimated by rights groups. The International Criminal Court is investigating Duterte for drug-related killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao City.