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Jeoffrey Maitem
Languages Spoken:
English
Analysts say this year’s drills, which stress tested a new generation of mobile strike capabilities, were a pointed display of resolve.
The facility in Davao signals that defence ties are now focusing on sustainment, endurance and operational continuity, analysts say.
However, some analysts say that if both sides can agree on equitable oil and gas production, Filipinos could benefit from lower prices.
The Philippines has long been the closest US ally in Asia. Now Washington wants something more: a place to make bullets and shells.
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The Iran war has underscored the need for robust air systems and Manila should look to build a layered defence architecture, experts say.
South Korea couldn’t stop the pull-out. Now, Manila must figure out if it is indeed a strategic partner or just another supply depot.
Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.
Analysts said the move bolsters the First Island Chain strategy and deepens Manila’s role in regional defence planning.
Australia also joins the fray as the US and its allies shift away from simple bilateral deals towards tighter regional security networks.
Canberra’s security interests are more closely aligned with Manila than those of Washington, observers say.
Observers say the case of John Patrick reflects human exploitation and the structural pressure on Russia’s manpower resources.
Analysts say Manila is unlikely to back the surviving victims of sex slavery, fearing it could jeopardise billions in infrastructure funding.
The talks are likely to focus on Manila’s push for a South China Sea code with ‘teeth’ as this year’s Asean chair, analysts say.
The moves will help strengthen regional stability and prevent Indo-Pacific connectivity from being quietly weaponised, analysts say.
The roll-out of the new Cobra weapon system is part of Manila’s push to build a self-reliant defence industry.
As Moscow wages an information war far from the battlefields of Ukraine, an improbable front has opened up in Southeast Asia.
Next year’s Balikatan drills are set to incorporate advanced threat-emulation software to simulate live-fire cyber defence.
Nickel is vital to the global green transition, but its extraction is bringing environmental disaster to Filipinos on the front line.
Manila also aims to improve maritime coordination among Philippine agencies in disputed areas such as the Scarborough Shoal.
A recent air show featured the multirole KF-21 Boramae fighter jets manufactured by a South Korean firm that sold FA-50 aircraft to Manila.
The multimillion-dollar plan, while seemingly a routine partnership, will deepen Washington’s regional footprint under a non-military banner.
Experts have assured Filipinos that the recent series of earthquakes across the country was not connected to ‘The Big One’ scenario.
The award has angered critics who say it is ‘deeply offensive’ to the victims of the former president’s drug war.
Stories of Filipinos being turned away in Oslo over ‘money-laundering issues’ point to a bigger problem of market confidence, analysts say.
The humanitarian mission is partly aimed at addressing regional concerns over the pact’s objectives, analysts say.
While the US presence serves as a deterrent, experts warn the Philippines risks becoming a target should tensions with China rise.
Manila may invest in radars, surveillance drones and coastguard training, rather than game-changing security assets, analysts say.
The BRP Diego Silang guided-missile frigate marks a milestone, but analysts say Manila is still playing catch-up and mostly relies on the US.
Filipino fishermen expressed both concern and support for Washington’s proposal to turn them into intelligence assets.
