News Roundup 05 June 2024
Jun 05, 2024 • 4 min Read
PCG: US Coast Guard to deploy assets in WPS amid China’s trespassing rule | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The United States Coast Guard (USCG) will deploy its assets to support the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) “in upholding its sovereign rights” in the West Philippine Sea amid the looming implementation of China’s anti-trespassing policy which encroaches on the country’s exclusive economic zone.
“The USCG shared they will deploy their North Pacific Coast Guard to support the PCG in upholding its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” the PCG said in a statement on Tuesday.
However, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the specifics of the deployment, like the total number of personnel and the type of vessels, remain unclear.
“We still don’t know,” Balilo told INQUIRER.net in an interview when asked what kind of USCG assets will be deployed.
Starting June 15, China will authorize its coast guard to detain foreigners deemed “illegally crossing” its borders without trial for up to 60 days, according to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report.
In response to this, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the agency will also intensify its deployment, and he also enjoined the USCG and Japan Coast Guard to boost their presence “in the high seas.”
Full Story at: PCG: US Coast Guard to deploy assets in WPS amid China’s trespassing rule | INQUIRER.net
Philippine Navy destroys Chinese fishing nets in Ayungin—report | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — In a move which a security analyst deems to be permissible, the Philippine Navy reportedly dismantled and confiscated Chinese fishing nets installed within the vicinity of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
China’s state publication Xinhua on Tuesday claimed that the personnel of BRP Sierra Madre “repeatedly damaged” Chinese fishermen’s nets last May 15.
Over 2,000 meters of Beijing’s fishing nets have been damaged while more than 100 meters of fishing nets were confiscated by Manila, the report further said.
INQUIRER.net reached out to Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy spokesperson for West Philippine Sea, for comment but he has yet to respond as of posting.
Security analyst Chester Cabalza on Wednesday said Manila’s military could conduct such operations inside its exclusive economic zone.
“If they see illegal acts, they can initiate the dismantling of intrusive objects since they are the prime protector of our sovereign state and the people,” Cabalza told INQUIRER.net in a message.
Cabalza also called the placement of fishing nets near the naval outpost a “provocation.”
“China will always try to twist the story to advance their national interest,” Cabalza, president and founder of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, also said. “The placement of nets near Ayungin Shoal is a provocation.”
“This psych ops is clearly made to get the sympathy of the international community and weaken the strong Philippine narrative and resistance,” he continued.
Full Story at: Philippine Navy destroys Chinese fishing nets in Ayungin—report | INQUIRER.net
Pagcor hits Guo’s lawyer: No role in issuing business permits | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) maintained that the agency has nothing to do with the issuance of local business permits and licenses.
“We are also not responsible for the inspection of buildings that are not under our jurisdiction. We issue licenses based on our own guidelines and the documents submitted by applicants,” Pagcor said in a statement.
“Pagcor’s regulations are clear cut. If our licensees are found violating the terms of their licenses, whether these are provisional licenses or regular licenses, they are fined and penalized and, in the most serious cases, the licenses are revoked,” the state gaming regulator added.
Full Story at: Pagcor hits Guo’s lawyer: No role in issuing business permits | Philstar.com
3 Philippine universities climb in QS world rankings | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Three Philippine universities saw their standings improve in the latest global ranking of higher education institutions.
The University of the Philippines (UP) continued to be the highest ranked Philippine institution in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2025 released on Wednesday. It jumped to 336th place from last year’s 404th place.
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) climbed to 516th place from 563th place, securing the second spot among Philippine universities in the rankings.
The De La Salle University (DLSU) rose to the 641-650 bracket, an improvement from its previous placement within the 681-690 range.
However, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and the Cebu-based University of San Carlos (USC) ranked lower this year.
Full Story at: 3 Philippine universities climb in QS world rankings | Philstar.com
