The third armed uniformed service of the Philippines, enforcing laws in Philippine waters
Clashes at Second Thomas Shoal have prompted Manila to report a head injury to a Philippine sailor, while Beijing accuses Manila of provocations. The incident underscores tensions in the South China Sea as Philippine President Marcos Jr. plans to summon the Chinese ambassador and Western allies respond to the fray.
ASEAN hosts three-day talks in Manila as regional leaders address Middle East tensions, Myanmar’s war, and energy security. The Philippines chairs the bloc, with U.S., Chinese, and Russian ministers attending. Talks aim to urge resumed talks and address regional conflicts, including Myanmar, and South China Sea disputes.
Philippines has protested the China Coast Guard’s actions at Second Thomas Shoal during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial meeting in Manila, according to Bloomberg.
A Vietnamese cargo vessel carrying 62 people has sunk near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. Rescue teams from Vietnam and China have recovered 44 people, with 18 still missing. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over South China Sea claims as search and rescue operations persist.
A Quezon City court has issued an arrest warrant accusing Vice‑President Sara Duterte of three counts of grave threats tied to a 2024 online news conference. Bail was set at 120,000 pesos per count; her lawyers say she will post bail and contest the warrant. The charges sit alongside an ongoing Senate impeachment trial and could bar her from office if she is convicted.
A passenger ferry, MV June Aster, has caught fire off Coron, Palawan. Rescue teams have recovered at least five dead and 43 survivors; authorities say 134 people were on the manifest and dozens remain unaccounted for as coast guard vessels and other ships continue search and recovery operations on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Rescuers continue the search as the M/V June Aster fire off Coron, Palawan, has left five confirmed dead and dozens still missing. Coast guard operations are ongoing, with bodies recovered from the ship’s economy quarters and the investigation into the cause underway.
A fire aboard MV June Aster near Coron, Palawan, has killed multiple people and left many more missing. Initial reports indicate the blaze erupted in the cargo hold and spread rapidly, with rescuers facing heat and toxic fumes. Survivors recount explosions and chaotic evacuation. Authorities are identifying victims and investigating the vessel's captain and crew as updates continue.
A BFAR vessel delivering fuel to Filipino fishermen off Palawan has collided with a China Coast Guard ship after dangerous manoeuvres. Manila accuses Beijing of ramming a civilian government vessel on a humanitarian mission; Beijing blames the Philippine side for disregarding warnings. No injuries are reported, but deck damage is evident.