News Roundup 19 May 2024
May 19, 2024 • 4 min Read
Beijing’s detention rule in South China Sea ‘unacceptable’ — Marcos | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned Beijing’s directive to detain foreigners suspected of entering disputed areas in the South China Sea, calling it “completely unacceptable to the Philippines.”
“The position that we take is that it’s unacceptable and we will take whatever measures to always protect our citizens,” Marcos said on Saturday.
Beijing has authorized its China Coast Guard (CCG) to detain foreigners suspected of “trespassing” within its claimed borders for up to 60 days without trial.
The directive is part of new regulations issued by the CCG on Wednesday to standardize its law enforcement procedures, and will take effect on June 15, according to the state-run China News Service.
A 92-page document released by the state-run news agency confirmed the CCG adopted these measures on May 15, the same day the “Atin Ito” coalition began its second civilian-led mission to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
Under the new directive, the CCG is permitted to detain foreigners suspected of violating entry and exit rules, individuals assisting others in illegally entering or exiting Chinese territory, and those with illegal residence or employment.
The regulations also allow the detention of people “endangering national security and interests, disrupting social and public order, or those engaging in illegal and criminal activities,” as translated by an open-source translation tool.
For years, Filipino fishermen have faced persistent harassment from Chinese vessels in the contested waters, causing a steep decline in their livelihood.
Full Story at: Beijing’s detention rule in South China Sea ‘unacceptable’ — Marcos | Philstar.com
Philippines replaces its military commander for disputed waters | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine military said Saturday it has replaced a key commander overseeing forces in the West Philippine Sea, including Filipino troops garrisoned on a disputed reef.
Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr will replace Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos as chief of the Western Command on Palawan island, which is the closest Philippine landmass to the hotly contested Spratly Islands.
The military said in a statement the move was part of “ongoing changes in leadership and key positions within the military which is necessary for the institution to adapt to evolving security environment and effectively address emerging challenges.”
It follows a series of incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels near disputed reefs in the South China Sea that have strained diplomatic ties.
These have included water cannon attacks by China Coast Guard vessels as well as minor collisions in recent months that Manila says damaged Philippine boats and injured several soldiers.
Full Story at: Philippines replaces its military commander for disputed waters | Philstar.com
BARMM Grand Coalition endorses Sulu governor Sakur Tan as chief minister | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of major political parties in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has endorsed Sulu governor Sakur Tan for his run as chief minister in the first ever Bangsamoro Parliament elections next year.
In a statement on Saturday group BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC), composed of the Salaam Party of Gov. Tan himself, the Bangsamoro People Party (BPP), the Al Ittihad-UKB Party, and the Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo Party, agreed to support Tan in his bid for the top position in BARMM.
“The coalition has come to a consensus that it will be backing Gov. Sakur Tan for the position of Chief Minister in the Bangsamoro Parliament because the BGC believes he is more than qualified to hold the post,” said Basilan Cong. Mujiv Hataman as he announced their support for Tan during the General Assembly of Salaam Party-BGC in Maimbung, Sulu.
Hataman, who is also one of the founders of BPP, said that their decision was made after a series of meetings and consultations with officials and members of all the political parties, as well as non-government organizations and civil society groups that consist of the whole BGC.
Full Story at: BARMM Grand Coalition endorses Sakur Tan as chief minister (inquirer.net)
Grenade attack on a Catholic chapel in Cotabato City injures 2 persons | INQUIRER.NET –COTABATO CITY (May 19) — Two unidentified men lobbed a hand grenade into a Catholic chapel in Barangay Rosary Heights 3 here at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday while a Bible service was ongoing.
The blast left two churchgoers injured, a village official said.
Kagi Omar Pasawilan, chairperson of Barangay Rosary Heights 3, said residents Maribel Abis, 46, and Aniceta Tobil, a senior citizen, were hurt after two men on a motorcycle passed by the Santo Niño Chapel, tossed the grenade and sped away.
This account was given by a village watchman who saw the incident.
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao condemned the attack.
Full Story at: Grenade attack on a Catholic chapel in Cotabato City injures two (inquirer.net)
