Senior service enforcing laws within Philippine waters under the Department of Transportation
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.
Tensions in the South China Sea have intensified as Chinese coast guard vessels clash with Philippine forces near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines reports dangerous maneuvers and water cannon use by Chinese ships, while China accuses Manila of illegal activities. ASEAN ministers discuss the dispute and aim to advance a code of conduct this year.
A Vietnamese cargo vessel carrying 62 people sank near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. Rescue operations are ongoing with Vietnamese, Chinese and Philippine teams coordinating as 44 have been rescued and 18 remain missing.
Vice‑President Sara Duterte has posted bail on three counts of grave threats after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant tied to remarks she made in 2024. Her lawyers have won a court order deferring arraignment while they press a motion to postpone; she is also facing an ongoing Senate impeachment trial and denies making assassination threats.
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.