Richard Saunders, Phnom Penh President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed retired General Ricardo David Oban Jr., former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as the country’s new National Security Adviser. The move is seen as a strategic effort to bolster the administration’s national security leadership, pairing Oban’s military expertise…
Jake Saunders, Editor Manila – The Manila Dialogue, which concludes today in Manila, has once again highlighted the importance of multilateral discussions in addressing complex regional security issues. This dialogue, brought together representatives from various nations including the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and other stakeholders concerned with stability and peace in the South China/ West…
Richard Sanders The Philippine Navy officially inaugurated a new forward operating base in Mahatao, Batanes, last Thursday, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s northern defenses. Located just 185 kilometers from Taiwan, this base holds critical strategic importance amid increasing regional tensions. Northern Luzon Command Commander Lieutenant General Fernyl Buca emphasized that the facility…
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials and US Marine Corps Col. Luke Watson, commander of Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Florida, officially inaugurated a warehouse at the Naval Supply Depot Compound in Subic Bay Freeport in this photograph taken on February 4. The 5,300-square-meter facility will serve Marine Corps prepositioning initiatives for humanitarian aid and…
Manila and New Zealand Forge Security Pact Amid Rising Regional Tensions Richard Sanders, Manila In a significant development in international relations, Manila and New Zealand officially inked a defense agreement yesterday, enabling the deployment of military forces on each other’s territories. This strategic partnership is designed to enhance security cooperation in light of an increasingly…
Richard Sanders, Zamboanga In a remarkable turn of events, the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) has sent shockwaves through the Philippine political landscape as candidates gear up for the highly anticipated 2025 midterm elections. With less than a month remaining until election day, the political arena is rife with maneuvering, allegations, and…
Richard Sanders On Saturday, the Philippine government voiced deep concern over the recent arrest of three Filipino citizens in China on allegations of espionage. Officials believe these detentions may be a retaliatory measure following Manila’s intensified efforts against suspected Chinese spies. According to a report from the state-run China Daily, Chinese authorities claim the individuals…
Organised by Stratbase Among those who participated in the conference on Thursday were Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, and Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also joined the discussion live via zoom. Key business leaders also took part in the discussions including Ayala Corporation…
Top government officials and key business leaders will gather in Makati City on November 6 and 7 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Stratbase Group, a policy research and business advisory firm. To mark this monumental event, the Stratbase Group is organizing a two-day “Pilipinas Conference” to discuss strategic initiatives necessary for fostering a…
by Edgardo Castro, Associate Editor As maritime security concerns escalate in the Asia-Pacific region, the need for enhanced cooperation between regional naval forces becomes increasingly critical. Taiwan, situated just a short distance from the Philippines, shares not only a geographical proximity but also common interests in maintaining peace and stability in the surrounding waters. Given…