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Philippine Coast Guard

The latest news and top stories on Philippine Coast Guard. A prominent Manila-based governmental body, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is the Philippines’ third armed uniformed service, attached to the Department of Transportation. Its primary mission encompasses maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection. The PCG is crucial for safeguarding life and property at sea, enforcing laws within Philippine waters, and protecting marine resources. It plays a vital role in asserting national maritime interests, notably in the West Philippine Sea, and is undergoing significant modernisation.

The Philippine Navy’s guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang encountered four Chinese warships near Scarborough Shoal on Saturday, according to Philippine media. Photo: GMA Network

South China Sea

China and Philippines in rare naval stand-off near disputed Scarborough Shoal

Media outlet says incident coincided with end of Salaknib 2026 joint military exercise also involving US, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

23 Jun 2026 - 6:31PMvideocam

Philippine Coast Guard

China and Philippines in rare naval stand-off near disputed Scarborough Shoal

Media outlet says incident coincided with end of Salaknib 2026 joint military exercise also involving US, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Philippines taps ‘smarter, cheaper’ Australian drones to deter China

Mystery platform? China says it was carrying out research at Scarborough Shoal

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

Chinese scientists land on Sandy Cay as tensions with Philippines spike again

Manila says it sent a plane over the South China Sea reef in an effort to ‘drive away’ those carrying out ‘unauthorised’ research activity.

Why is a Chinese research ship a flashpoint with Philippines in South China Sea?

Beijing and Manila trade accusations after incident near Iroquois Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands this week.

Philippines strengthens South China Sea grip with permanent base on Thitu Island

The island, known locally as Pagasa, is home to about 400 Filipinos, whom China accuses of living there illegally.

‘Deliberate signal’: Philippines elevates officer amid South China Sea tensions

Analysts say Marcos is doubling down on the country’s ‘transparency initiative’ while engaging Beijing diplomatically behind closed doors.

Art as advocacy: Philippine mural contest adds to South China Sea messaging push

The government-backed drive is the latest in a series of creative campaigns aiming to shape public narrative around the maritime dispute.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

China and the Philippines are both signalling openness to diplomacy alongside continued military flexing, but this may not be sustainable.

Amid Chinese embassy row, Philippines eyes boosting Spratlys population

Filipino leaders from Kalayaan and Chinese embassy officials in Manila have clashed over entry bans for personnel on either side.

Leaked letter spotlights Philippines’ South China Sea tug of war

The letter by Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro warns against public exchanges that could narrow the country’s ‘diplomatic space’.

Calls grow for tougher rules to track foreign-paid ‘trolls’ in Philippines

Retired justice says updating the Foreign Agents Act will help deter individuals from espousing pro-Beijing content.

New gas find prompts Philippines to step up defence of energy frontier

The move to boost security around Malampaya East-1 is seen as a test case for protecting future offshore energy projects in contested waters.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Parents lose baby in Philippine ferry sinking

More than 350 were on board the inter-island ferry from Zamboanga when it sank on its way to Jolo island.

At least 18 dead after ferry sinks in southern Philippines

More than 350 were on board the inter-island ferry from Zamboanga to Jolo island when it apparently encountered technical problems and sank.

Filipino crew head home after China Coast Guard rescue near Scarborough Shoal

Chinese vessels transfer 15 survivors and the remains of two others to Philippine ships on Sunday afternoon.

‘Game changer’: Philippines eyes French boost for maritime defence

The project is expected to significantly expand the coastguard’s fleet at a time of growing operational demands in Philippine waters.

Claims of lies, coercion in Beijing-Manila war of words over South China Sea

On Monday, a Manila maritime council accused China of aggressive tactics; the next day Beijing said the Philippines was ‘provoking trouble’.

Philippine navy ‘up to the challenge’ of defending territory in South China Sea

Manila is banking on modern ships and global alliances to challenge China’s increasing presence in the contentious waters.

Philippines investigates claims of Chinese dredger using ‘30 identities’

A US-based maritime monitoring group has alleged a Chinese ship used different identities and flags while working in Philippine waters.

China accuses Philippines of ‘premeditated’ provocations near Sabina Shoal

Meanwhile, Manila says Philippine fishing boats were targeted by Chinese coastguard water cannons near disputed South China Sea reef.

Philippines boosts deterrence in South China Sea by tripling its patrol area

Manila also aims to improve maritime coordination among Philippine agencies in disputed areas such as the Scarborough Shoal.

Filipinos rally behind coastguard amid sea tensions, US alliance debate

A poll revealed high ratings for the force despite pro-Duterte lawmakers disparaging it over growing Manila-Washington defence ties.

Grounded: Philippines bans politician’s 13-plane fleet from resale amid scandal

A Gulfstream jet and two helicopters linked to Zaldy Co have been found overseas amid attempts by authorities to freeze his assets.

Philippine military fires back as Duterte’s son takes potshot at US ties

Paolo Duterte’s claims of the military ‘showing off for America’ are aimed at undermining the current administration, analysts say.

Why the US is eyeing Philippines’ coastguard with 3-year training plan

The multimillion-dollar plan, while seemingly a routine partnership, will deepen Washington’s regional footprint under a non-military banner.

China deploys new floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal, satellite image shows

Barrier seen blocking entrance to lagoon at the contested atoll where tensions between Beijing and Manila have intensified.

Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

Video | Parents lose baby in Philippine ferry sinking