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Articles by David Santos
From Bini to F4: Pop Music Brings Taiwanese and Filipinos Together
They are the Philippines’ rising P-pop or Pinoy-pop sensation, taking Filipino music to the global stage. All-girl band Bini is known for their bubblegum pop sound, seamless choreography and messages of female empowerment.
PH, Canada to sign new defense MOU ‘very soon’ - officials
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) – The Philippines and Canada are set to level up their security alliance with both sides hinting that a new deal could be signed “very soon.” Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed on Tuesday that Manila and Ottawa are working on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for what he described as an enhanced defense cooperation.
Brawner: Recent WPS incidents need not trigger defense treaty commitments with US
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 12) — The country’s military chief on Wednesday said he does not see China's latest aggressions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) triggering defense treaty commitments with the United States.
AFP concludes 2 major training exercises
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 17) —The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) wrapped up two major training exercises this week as it vowed to scale up its defense capabilities to confront increasing external threats, including those in the cyber domain.
DND warns soldiers to refrain from using AI apps
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 20) — The Department of National Defense (DND) is urging its personnel, including the 120,000-strong armed forces, to refrain from using apps on digital portraits using artificial intelligence (AI). In a memorandum issued on Oct.
Decommissioned Navy ship to be used as target in US-PH joint drills runs aground
Laoag City (CNN Philippines, July 14) — Philippine authorities will try to retrieve a decommissioned Navy replenishment tanker that ran aground while being towed in rough waters in Bataan on Friday. In a statement, the Philippine Navy said three civilian personnel on board the retired BRP Lake Caliraya were "all in good condition," adding that coordination is underway between security agencies and a private company to refloat the vessel.
Senator demands IG inspection into Coast Guard’s failure to respond to sex assault claims at academy
(CNN) — The chairwoman of the Senate Commerce Committee called for an inspector general investigation into the US Coast Guard in the wake of revelations of systemic mishandling of sexual assault allegations at the US Coast Guard Academy.
'Increased number' of US military aircraft due to bilateral drills - PAF
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 11) — The presence of US military aircraft in the country is due to bilateral exercises between Manila and Washington, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) clarified on Tuesday. "We have an increased number of aircraft which are participating in our Cope Thunder 23-2 exercises, which is ongoing," said PAF spokesperson Col.
CPP denounces additional EDCA sites on NPA's 54th anniversary
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 29) — Communist guerrillas are denouncing the expanded access of American troops in the country as they mark their 54th anniversary on Wednesday, calling also on members to continue the armed struggle. In a statement on Tuesday, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said the decades-long war of its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), proves to be an effective strategy in its bid for what it calls national freedom and democracy.
Cagayan, Isabela governors not keen on hosting new EDCA sites
The government has yet to announce the four new locations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. But some local officials have begun weighing in on the development.
U.S. to expand military presence in PH
Manila has agreed to give Washington access to more camps in the country. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says this is part of efforts to fight what he calls China's illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea.
U.S. Defense Chief back in PH
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is now in the country the second stop in his latest tour of Asia. Austin is set to speak with Filipino security leaders and meet with President Bongbong Marcos for the first time. Our senior correspondent David Santos has that story.
US Defense Chief to visit PH again
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to visit the Philippines again. His 2021 trip was seen as a successful attempt to save the visiting forces agreement. Our senior correspondent David Santos has the details on what brings Austin back to the country.
Remains of pilot killed in Bataan crash brought home to Zamboanga city
The remains of one of two Air Force pilots who died in Wednesday's crash have been flown to his hometown in Zamboanga city as investigators continue to dig into what caused the tragedy.
Various groups pay tribute to Joma Sison
Various groups came together to give their tributes to Communist Party of the Philippines' departed leader Jose Maria Sison.
Batanes wants food security amid China-Taiwan tensions
The local government of Batanes is worried about potential conflict breaking out between China and nearby Taiwan. Batanes officials are worried, that could spill over to food security in the province.
From foe to ally: Japan helping PH boost air defense
Today marks 81 years since Japan's invasion of the Philippines as part of its brutal conflict with the United States during World War Two. But now, Tokyo is among Manila's strongest defense allies.
PH Coast Guard gears up for holiday travel
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 5) — Coast guard personnel will be on heightened alert on Dec. 15 to Jan. 7 in anticipation of holiday travel approximating the volume before the Covid-19 pandemic, Coast guard Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said Monday.
DND addressing 'unintended consequences' of new military law
Speculations are rife within the Armed Forces that its current chief, Lieutenant General Vicente Bartolome Bacarro may soon be on his way out. The Defense Department is pushing back. But admits that there are persistent concerns about a new law that may affect the promotions of military personnel.
PH Navy commissions Israeli-made gunboats
The Philippine Navy commissions its newest patrol gunboat from Israel. The Navy is eyeing to buy similar platforms in a bid to boost maritime patrols all over the archipelago.
U.S. VP Kamala Harris visits a fishing village in Palawan
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited a fishing community in Palawan where she listened to the sentiments of the local fisherfolk.
Harris: U.S. to back PH amid maritime tensions with China
U. S. Vice President Kamala Harris wraps up her three-day visit to the Philippines with a symbolic trip to Palawan. It brought her near the edge of the South China Sea while delivering a message that takes aim at China, but not quite.
Palawan residents worry over sharp decline in tourist arrivals
Residents in Palawan are expressing their appeals on the environmental and livelihood struggles in the island.
U.S. VP Harris' Palawan visit to highlight marine conservation
US Vice President Kamala Harris is set to arrive in the Philippines Sunday. Apart from asserting rules-based order in the disputed South China Sea, Harris will also get to see Washington's marine conservation efforts in the country.
PH considering VFA with Japan, increasing EDCA sites for U.S.
The government will review proposals to boost defense cooperation with the US and Japan, which are among its long-time allies. This is amid some austerity measures in its military budget to finance the acquisition of much-needed assets.
PH eyes VFA with Japan, more EDCA sites for US
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 16) — The Philippine government will review proposals to boost defense cooperation with long-time allies United States and Japan. This comes amid austerity measures in its military budget to finance the acquisition of much-needed assets.
AFP, MILF to undergo mediation following deadly Basilan clashes
The recent clashes in Basilan between government troops and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front put into spotlight the volatility of the 2014 Bangsamoro Peace Agreement. Officers from both sides admit the seeming mistrust between their ground forces could have triggered the fighting.
PH gets a boost in air defense amid rising regional tensions
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 8) — The country on Tuesday formally received new air and ground assets for the Armed Forces, including critical defense equipment the nation is acquiring for the first time. The close to ₱7 billion ground-based air defense system project — procured through the Israeli government in 2019 — plays an integral part in the Air Force's defense capabilities.
AFP kicks off combined exercises amid regional tensions
The major services of the Armed Forces will be holding their annual joint exercises in preparation for new security threats amid rising tensions in the region.
Maguindanao Del Norte residents struggle amid recovery efforts
Maguindanao Del Norte is still hurting from 'Paeng' a week after the severe tropical storm devastated many parts of the province. As residents rebuild, they say lessons need to be learned for natural disasters in the future.
Relief efforts underway in Maguindanao Del Norte's Datu Blah Sinsuat
Relief efforts are underway in the town of Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao Del Norte which was isolated in the aftermath of severe tropical storm Paeng. Residents are uncertain about how they will pick up the pieces.
US Peace Corps volunteers back in PH by early 2023
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 28) — The United States Peace Corps has announced it will resume deploying volunteers to the Philippines by the start of 2023. Volunteers of the humanitarian group were pulled out from the country two years ago, along with those posted in other parts of the world, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are incredibly excited to have them back" US Peace Corps Chief Executive Officer Carol Spahn told reporters on Thursday.
PH, U.S. seek stronger implementation of EDCA
Manila and Washington want to strengthen the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which beefs up the presence of American forces and assets on Philippine shores.
Marcos turns to U.S. to fill cancelled helicopter deal with Russia
President Bongbong Marcos has no plans of reversing the last-minute decision of the Duterte administration to scrap the multi-billion peso helicopter deal with Russia. Instead, the deal will likely got o the United States.
US Homeland Security official calls on Asia-Pacific to stand vs China's 'oppressive' digital infrastructure
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 19) — A senior official of the Biden administration reaffirmed the White House's warning to its Asia-Pacific "partners" against potential cyberthreats from China and other "adverse nations" that may undermine "freedoms of expression and movement," while urging them to foster "a market of commerce propelled and advanced by technological innovation, and not limited by it." Speaking to reporters via teleconference on Monday, US Homeland Security chief...
US gov't seeks $100-M foreign military aid for PH
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 18) — The United States government on Monday said it is asking its Congress to infuse $100 million (roughly ₱5.9 billion) worth of military aid to the Philippines to help fund its modernization program. The announcement came after Manila scrapped its ₱12.7-billion helicopter deal with Russia.
USS Ronald Reagan's return to Manila, a sign of strengthening ties
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: One of America’s top aircraft carriers is in Manila a sign of further strengthening ties among long-time allies. While this is a scheduled port visit it also somehow brings back memories of strained relations between the two nation’s former leaders. Our senior correspondent David Santos reports.
Quezon, still reeling from a super typhoon , now braces for 'Maymay'
The rituals of disaster preparedness now in full-motion as many areas in the potential path of Tropical Depression Maymay brace for its impact. In Quezon, where supertyphoon Karding made its first landfall over two weeks ago, local officials want to make sure they're all ready.
Marikina evacuees return to flooded homes on 'Ondoy' anniversary
Marikina residents return to their flooded homes just hours after the water level in the Marikina river receded. Some residents can't help but remember the nightmare that was Typhoon Ondoy that ravaged portions of Metro Manila over a decade ago.
Padilla fumes over Marawi’s unresolved water supply woes five years since siege
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 19) — Senator Robin Padilla on Monday lashed out at the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for supposedly failing to restore clean water supply for most parts of Marawi five years since a bloody siege that leveled the city ended. The seige rendered thousands of residents homeless, majority of whom are Filipino-Muslims.
Over 300 inmates released today
The Marcos administration is eyeing to let go about 3,000 inmates this year. In a bid to expedite the government's pardon and parole program, as well as decongest the nation's cramped detention facilities. Close to 400 of them were released today coinciding with the President's birthday.
PCG pushes back against criticisms from Imee Marcos
enablePagination: false maxItemsPerPage: 10 totalITemsFound: maxPaginationLinks: 10 maxPossiblePages: startIndex: endIndex: The Philippine Coast Guard is pushing back against criticisms from Senator Imee Marcos. The guardian of the country's territorial waters also wants a dialogue with the presidential sister about their role in the West Philippine Sea particularly in dealing with Chinese counterparts.
Coast Guard Academy Welcomes Largest Number of New Female Cadets Ever
The Class of 2026 arrived at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on Day One, June 27, with the largest group of women in an incoming class in academy history. This year, 43 percent of the incoming students are women. Day One is a whirlwind of administration in-processing and military indoctrination, and its highlight is the ceremony in which the Swabs (as the new students are called) take their oath of service, officially marking the start of Swab Summer.
Duterte wants full in-person classes, urges solons to pass law on mandatory military service
Davao City (CNN Philippines, June 21) — When Vice President-elect Sara Duterte takes over the education portfolio, among her top priorities will be to bring back full in-person learning when schools reopen in August. Around 32,000 public schools have started holding face to face classes. In contrast, only about one in every 10 private schools or 1,063 have followed suit.
Some fine reading material
Lucky Breaks Author: Yevgenia Belorusets (translated from Russian by Eugene Ostashevsky) Publisher: New Directions What happens in the day-to-day lives of ordinary women like a florist, card players, horoscope reader, and a skin specialist amid the ruins of war in Ukraine. From the impoverished coal regions of Donbass, where the Russian secret military coexists with banditry and insurgency, the women of Yevgenia’s captivating collection of stories emerge from the ruins of war.
PH-Russia chopper deal still a go despite Ukraine war
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 9) — As Russia's assault on Ukraine continues, Manila has no plans "as of this moment" to call off a multibillion-peso military hardware deal with Moscow, according to Philippine Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana. "The heavy-lift helicopter procurement project with Russia is on track," Lorenzana told reporters. The Philippines is buying Russia-made 17 Mil Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters worth ₱12.7 billion (roughly $247 million) through a multi-year contract.
Quarantine hotels under investigation
The Tourism department is looking into reports that more hotels are violating quarantine policies. This comes amid the controversy involving a traveler from the US who skipped quarantine to attend a party.
Duterte names new Army chief
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 15)— Just three months after he was designated to lead the Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Jose Faustino is stepping down from his post. President Rodrigo Duterte, in a document dated May 14, has named his replacement: Major General Andres Centino.Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed Centino's appointment as the new Army chief. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed Centino's appointment as the new Army chief.
Basilan governor slams vandalism on Catholic churches in the province
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18) -- Basilan Governor Jim Salliman condemned a spate of "acts of desecration" of Catholic chapels in the province, which were discovered just as local parishioners were about to commemorate a religious ceremony marking the start of the Lenten season. DXNO, a local radio station based in Isabela City, shared on social media on Wednesday some photos showing what appeared to be incidents of vandalism on three chapels in Lamitan City.
Is PH ready to build its own warships? A local company thinks so
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 15) -- As the Philippine Navy eyes foreign shipbuilders to acquire additional multi-mission vessels, including warships and submarines, as part of its long-term modernization program, a local company wants to get a share of the country's defense spending on maritime assets. But it admits the ambitious plan could not be carried out without challenges.
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