News Roundup 26 April 2024
Apr 26, 2024 • 4 min Read
Blinken said he warned China on ‘dangerous’ moves near Philippines | PHILSTAR.COM – BEIJING, China — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday he warned China directly about its assertive moves around the Philippines and vowed to defend the ally.
“I made clear that while the US will continue to de-escalate tensions, our defence commitments to the Philippines remain ironclad,” Blinken told reporters, saying he raised Beijing’s “dangerous actions in the South China Sea” during meetings with top leaders.
Story at: Blinken said he warned China on ‘dangerous’ moves near Philippines | Philstar.com
Majority of Filipinos favor US over China in West Philippine sea dispute — survey | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — A recent survey by a think tank found that many Filipinos prefer siding with the United States over China in the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute.
During a press briefing by Oculum Research and Analytics in Intramuros, Manila on Friday, it was revealed that 43% of Filipinos prefer the Philippines to align with the US in case of increased tensions in the highly-disputed waters, compared to only 3% suggesting alignment with China.
“There is a clear trend of weariness upon the public towards deepening ties with China,” said Racidon Benarte, research head of Oculum Research.
“The low level if trust in China and a relatively high level of distrust could be attributed to geopolitical tensions, economic competition, territorial disputes or concerns over political and human rights abuses,” Joseph Mercado, Oculum’s research and analytics chief statistician said in a separate statement.
However, 40% of Filipinos preferred not to be aligned with any of the superpower but suggested an “autonomous approach” to the dispute, according to the think tank.
In the event of violence erupting in the South China Sea, survey results revealed that 32% of Filipinos recommend seeking military assistance from the US, while 31% suggest that the Philippines should defend its territory against China.
The poll also showed that only 17% of Filipinos find China to be trustworthy, while 38% consider China untrustworthy.
Among the 16 countries included in the survey, China garnered the highest level of distrust, followed by Russia with 19% distrust.
With regard to the partnership with China, 12% of Filipinos support a partnership, while 58% do not.
China, through its Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia stationed in the West Philippine Sea often spark tensions in the highly-disputed areas.
Full Story at: Majority of Filipinos favor US over China in West Philippine sea dispute — survey | Philstar.com
No Chinese presence during West PH Sea trilateral drills – AFP | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines—No Chinese vessel was monitored during the joint exercise of the Philippines, France, and the United States in the West Philippine Sea as part of the biggest annual war games in the country, Balikatan information bureau chief Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado said on Friday.
“So far, we have not monitored any presence; they are sailing smoothly,” Salgado said in a public briefing when asked about the presence of Chinese vessels.
This was despite the recorded surge of Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea ahead of the maritime drills.
China expected to ‘behave well’
BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Davao del Sur left Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Thursday morning, followed by French frigate Vendémiaire and landing ship dock United States Ship (USS) Harpers Ferry.
On Friday, the fleet continued on conducting “division tactics” focusing on refining strategies and maneuvers to enhance effective force deployment and coordination.
The AFP said in a statement that “this ongoing effort aims to bolster their combat readiness and operational effectiveness.”
Full Story at: No Chinese presence during West PH Sea trilateral drills, so far (inquirer.net)
Hontiveros wants Quiboloy’s followers disarmed | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Following the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) revocation of alleged sex offender and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy’s firearm licenses, Senator Risa Hontiveros now wants his “private army” dismantled.
In a statement, Hontiveros said the PNP needs to ensure that Quiboloy’s “members” are also firearm-free.
“Tiyakin din sana ng PNP na walang mga armas niya ang maiwan sa mga miyembro niya. Dapat lang na mabuwag na ang private army niya, na todo-balandra rin ng kanilang mga baril sa social media,” said Hontiveros.
(The PNP also has to ensure that Quiboloy’s guns don’t end up with his members. His private army – who are flex their guns on social media – also needs to be dismantled.)
Hontiveros is leading a probe into Quiboloy’s alleged crimes.
Full Story at: Hontiveros wants Quiboloy’s followers disarmed | Inquirer News
