Review VFA first before ending it, Duterte told Senators urged President Rodrigo R. Duterte to reconsider a plan before to end an agreement with the US on the deployment of troops and equipment for war games. Navy poised for more milestones under new chief: Duterte President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday expressed confidence that the Philippine Navy will achieve more milestones under the leadership of newly-appointed PN flag-officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo Coast Guard orders its largest vessels yet The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will soon have their largest vessels when a Japanese shipbuilder delivers two new multirole response vessels…

The Administration’s reluctant partner in appeasing China The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the administration’s reluctant partner in its appeasement policy on China. The Philippine military has been very wary of closer Philippine-China economic relations in particular, and on the so-called “pivot to China” in general AFP: Dozens of Chinese vessels spotted near Pag-asa Island Chinese fishing vessels continue to stay near Pag-asa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). The Philippines’ National Defense Strategy – Analysis The NDS is anchored on two previously released policy/strategy documents under the Duterte administration—2017 National Security Policy (NSP),…

Philippines, France eye enhanced maritime defense pact Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and French Defense Minister Florence Parly recently signed the Letter of Intent on Enhancing Defense Cooperation in the Maritime Domain in Paris. Philippines to sign BrahMos deal in 2020: Defence Secretary The Philippines is set to become the first export customer of the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile in 2020, according to the country’s Department of National Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Defense budget needs 2% of GDP to be at par with Asean – military The Philippine government should increase its defense spending to at least 2 percent of the country’s growth domestic product (GDP) to increase the readiness of its armed forces and keep up with its neighbors in the region PCG receives patrol boat from Japan to boost PH’s maritime security missions A patrol boat that aims to aid the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in its anti-terrorism and anti-piracy missions was handed over by the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines. Preliminary contract for new PH Navy warships signed…

First Defense Attaché Highlights Russia-Philippines Defense Relations A look at the significance of the move for the wider defense relationship. PH Ambassador receives PH defense secretary Secretary Lorenzana and his delegation attended the Defense and Security Equipment International Exhibition (DSEI 2019) in London from 10-13 September 2019. PH Navy activates 4 more AAVs, 3 MPACs The Philippine Navy (PN)’s capabilities to protect the country’s waters and land Marine troops were significantly boosted with the activation of four more amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and three more multi-purpose attack craft (MPACs). Military drill showcases PH’s first amphibious assault vehicles The capability to…

Defense seeks Congress approval of P258 billion budget The Department of National Defense (DND) is asking Congress to approve its proposed P258 billion budget for 2020, which also covers the funds for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).