TOPIC

Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy: A prominent Manila-based naval warfare service branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it is dedicated to maritime defence and security. Its primary mission involves naval and maritime operations, safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zone, and maritime interests, including the South China Sea. Key activities include maritime patrol, anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance, and amphibious operations. The Navy is undergoing significant modernisation, acquiring advanced platforms and enhancing maritime domain awareness, and actively participates in multilateral cooperation with allied navies.

Malaysian fugitive businessman Nicky Liow is brought to court in 2021. Photo: Weibo

SCMP Highlights

Malaysia’s Liow released; Lee Kuan Yew’s pen up for auction: 7 Asia highlights

From North Korea’s dog meat advice to Prabowo at odds with Indonesia’s rich, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

11 Aug 2026 - 12:37PM

Philippine Navy

Malaysia’s Liow released; Lee Kuan Yew’s pen up for auction: 7 Asia highlights

From North Korea’s dog meat advice to Prabowo at odds with Indonesia’s rich, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Philippine sailor on South China Sea outpost under investigation for drug use

Beijing and Manila trade blame on second day of Scarborough Shoal clashes

China lodges protest with Philippines after latest Second Thomas Shoal clash

Beijing summons the Philippine ambassador to complain about what it describes as a ‘malicious’ attack on its coastguards.

US coastguard cutters have a South China Sea mission. Will it make a difference?

The vessels will take part in maritime security operations with regional partners in the western Pacific.

How does an outgunned air force defend the South China Sea?

Manila is spending billions to transform its underfunded air arm into a maritime shield against Beijing.

PLA vessels shadow US-Philippine drills in South China Sea near disputed shoal

Beijing says joint patrols in waters near Scarborough Shoal undermined regional stability and vows to safeguard ‘territorial sovereignty’.

US shifts South China Sea reconnaissance towards drones, Philippines: think tank

Reliance on close-in aerial reconnaissance over contested waters comes as large American vessels face growing constraints.

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.

Beijing accuses Manila of ‘selective and discriminatory’ Chinese arrests

Embassy urges the Philippines to protect ‘personal safety and legitimate rights’ of detainees after 24 Chinese nationals arrested on Monday.

Why Sara Duterte is altering tone on South China Sea dispute

The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.

Philippine army kills at least 10 Maoist rebels during battles in Negros

The military said a local New People’s Army leader was among the dead, with both sides engaged in six firefights in Toboso.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Asian Angle | The Philippine military must transform, not just modernise

Changes to doctrine and force structure are needed to realise the armed forces’ dream of becoming a 21st century military.

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead.

Asian Angle | South China Sea: 6 risks facing Philippines, China as conflict threshold lowers

From violent incidents to US missiles in Luzon, a ‘perilous new normal’ and vanishing red lines threaten to derail the Code of Conduct.

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.

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.

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’.

Why the Philippines is taking control of undersea cable security

The moves will help strengthen regional stability and prevent Indo-Pacific connectivity from being quietly weaponised, analysts say.

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.

Why the Philippine Army is turning to locally built remote weapons systems

The roll-out of the new Cobra weapon system is part of Manila’s push to build a self-reliant defence industry.

Philippine military says ‘no junta’ in its ranks, warns against destabilisation

Plots to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr are ‘not far-fetched’, the Philippine military’s spokeswoman says.

Philippines in talks to buy more South Korean fighter jets, aircraft maker says

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.

Philippines hits hard against campaign to recruit military and destabilise state

A congressman was targeted after he posted a photo of himself in military uniform while alluding to a ‘Republic of Mindanao’.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | How Philippine military chief foiled ‘soft coup’ bid to undermine Marcos

Memories of past uprisings have made today’s military more resistant than ever to political adventurism, General Romeo Brawner Jnr says.

Philippines’ new hi-tech frigate aims to boost naval defences, but is it enough?

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.

Fishing for intelligence: US plan puts Filipinos at risk in South China Sea

Filipino fishermen expressed both concern and support for Washington’s proposal to turn them into intelligence assets.

China-Philippine tensions rise at Second Thomas Shoal as resupply deadline looms

Both sides send ships to the disputed South China Sea feature amid rising concern in Manila about getting supplies to grounded warship.

Asian Angle | The Philippine military must transform, not just modernise

Exclusive | How Philippine military chief foiled ‘soft coup’ bid to undermine Marcos