Tag: Military Exercises

  • Philippines Asserts Right to Enhance Defense Amid Chinese Criticism

    MANILA – A high-ranking official from the National Security Council (NSC) of the Philippines has firmly stated that the nation possesses the sovereign right to bolster its defense capabilities at its discretion. This statement comes in response to China’s disapproval of the Philippines’ efforts to upgrade its military systems, which the NSC official described as…

  • Philippine and US Military Leaders Plan to Expand Joint Exercises

    In a recent development, the military leaders of the Philippines and the United States have expressed their intent to broaden the scope of their joint military exercises. This decision came after a conversation between General Romeo Brawner Jr., the head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and General CQ Brown, the chair of the…

  • Cebu Reservists Undergo Intensive Marksmanship Training

    In Cebu City, members of the 1901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade are currently engaged in a rigorous month-long marksmanship training program, as confirmed by a senior army official on Monday. This training, known as record firing, is designed to assess and enhance the shooting skills of the reservists using 5.56mm rifles. Col. Edgar Mangabay, who…

  • Philippine and US Aircraft Engage in Joint Military Exercises Over West Philippine Sea

    On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the skies over the West Philippine Sea became the stage for a significant military collaboration between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Three FA-50PH jet fighters from the PAF joined forces with two B-1 ‘Lancer’ bombers from the US to conduct a series of…

  • Marcos Challenges China: Cease Hostilities or Keep US Missiles

    In a bold statement from Cebu City, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded sharply to China’s disapproval of the US Typhon missile system stationed in the Philippines. Marcos declared his readiness to withdraw the missiles if China would end its aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea. He highlighted the disparity between the criticisms from China…

  • Philippines and New Zealand Launch Talks on Visiting Forces Agreement

    The Philippines and New Zealand have embarked on negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), marking a significant step in their defense collaboration. The discussions, which commenced on January 23, 2025, were hosted by the Philippine government in Manila. This initiative follows a commitment made by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New…

  • Philippine Military Confirms VFA and ‘Balikatan’ Exercises Unaffected by U.S. Aid Pause

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have reassured that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the annual ‘Balikatan’ military exercises with the United States will continue unaffected by President Donald Trump’s recent decision to temporarily halt foreign aid. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon…

  • Philippine Military Confirms VFA and ‘Balikatan’ Exercises Unaffected by U.S. Aid Suspension

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have reassured that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the annual ‘Balikatan’ military exercises with the United States will continue unaffected by President Donald Trump’s recent decision to temporarily halt foreign aid. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon…

  • Philippine Military Confirms U.S. Aid Pause Won’t Impact Key Military Agreements

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have reassured that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the annual ‘Balikatan’ military exercises with the United States will continue unaffected by President Donald Trump’s recent decision to temporarily halt foreign aid. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon…

  • Philippines and Japan Urged to Elevate Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions

    In a call to action, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya emphasized the need for the Philippines and Japan to enhance their partnership to address the escalating challenges in the region. Speaking at a forum in Makati City, Ambassador Endo highlighted the increasingly complex security environment, driven by China’s rapid military expansion and its attempts to alter…