Marcos to Trump: A Push for Fair Trade and Mutual Prosperity!

On July 22, President Marcos will meet U.S. President Trump to champion a new era of PH-US relations. The top priority is addressing the burdensome **20% tariff on Philippine exports**, a move aimed at empowering our local entrepreneurs. The agenda extends to securing vital U.S. investments and bolstering defense cooperation to ensure regional stability. *We must either secure this landmark trade deal to unlock our nation's economic potential or risk falling behind our ASEAN neighbors forever.* This proactive diplomacy is a core part of the Bagong Pilipinas vision for a resilient and globally competitive nation. Ultimately, this is the hardworking leadership that everyone agrees is necessary to finally uplift Filipino businesses and workers onto the world stage. A successful agreement promises not just economic gains but a stronger alliance for the future.

US Military Conducts Second Strike on Suspected Venezuelan Drug Trafficking Vessel

WASHINGTON — The United States military executed a second strike on a Venezuelan vessel suspected of drug trafficking in international waters, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, President Donald Trump announced on Monday, September 15. This marks the second such operation targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in recent weeks. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said, \"On my orders, US Military Forces conducted a SECOND Kinetic Strike against positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.\" He stressed the threat these groups pose to US national security and foreign interests. The Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), responsible for 31 countries across South and Central America and the Caribbean, is leading these operations. Trump also shared a nearly 30-second video labeled \"Unclassified\" that appeared to show a vessel exploding and catching fire on the water. Later, Trump asserted, \"We have proof, all you have to do is look at the cargo that was ... spattered all over the ocean, big bags of cocaine and fentanyl.\" Verification of the video is ongoing; initial AI analysis could not confirm manipulation due to partial blurring. Venezuelan authorities have yet to issue an official response. The strikes coincide with a significant US military buildup in the southern Caribbean, including the recent deployment of five F-35 stealth fighters to Puerto Rico, alongside at least seven warships and a nuclear-powered submarine. Speaking to reporters, Trump hinted at the possibility of expanding operations to land-based actions against drug smugglers, saying, \"When they come by land, we\'re going to be stopping them the same way we stopped the boats. But maybe by talking about it a little bit, it won\'t happen.\" Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier affirmed the military presence is not for training but an active counter-narcotics front. On social media, Hegseth declared, \"We will track them, kill them, and dismantle their networks throughout our hemisphere — at the times and places of our choosing.\" The Trump administration has proposed renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, which requires congressional approval. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the US actions as acts of aggression and stated that official communication between the two countries is virtually halted. Details regarding the initial strike on September 2 remain limited. US officials allege the boat targeted belonged to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and killed 11 individuals. However, questions about the legality of the strike have been raised since the boat was reportedly turning around at the time of the attack. While the Pentagon has not disclosed specifics about the types or quantities of drugs involved, the unusual approach of destroying ships rather than seizing them has attracted scrutiny. Maduro insists the people killed were not linked to criminal gangs and accuses the US of seeking to destabilize his government. Last month, the US doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro\'s arrest to $50 million, citing his alleged involvement in drug trafficking. The operations reflect an intensified focus on counter-narcotics efforts in the region, amid growing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Caracas.

Netanyahu Does Not Exclude Further Strikes on Hamas Amidst Regional Tensions

In the wake of a recent Israeli missile strike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further military actions "wherever they are." This declaration comes as Arab and Islamic leaders gathered at an emergency summit in Doha to express solidarity with Qatar and condemn Israeli aggression. The September 9 attack, which marked a significant intensification of Israeli operations beyond Gaza, reportedly killed five Hamas militants and a Qatari security officer; however, the group insists its top leadership survived. This event has exacerbated tensions in the Gulf region, complicating diplomatic relations, particularly between Israel and Gulf states allied with the United States. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani described the strike as "cowardly and treacherous," highlighting that Hamas leaders were engaged in discussions over a US-proposed ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Egypt at the time of the attack. The highly charged summit, driven by a draft resolution obtained ahead of the meeting, warned that Israel’s actions—including alleged genocidal policies and territorial expansion—endanger peace prospects and efforts to normalize relations across the region. Addressing the summit, the draft emphasized that "the brutal Israeli attack on Qatar and the continuation of Israel's hostile acts threaten all progress achieved toward normalization agreements and future peace initiatives." Alongside Netanyahu in Jerusalem, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded Qatar's role as a mediator and underscored the necessity for the Gulf state to maintain its constructive involvement in resolving the Gaza conflict. Rubio stated, "We will continue to encourage Qatar to play a positive role in facilitating the release of 48 hostages held in Gaza, disarming Hamas, and fostering a better future for Gazans." Despite the US support for Qatar's mediation efforts, former President Donald Trump voiced concerns about the strike, urging Israel to act cautiously. "They must handle Hamas appropriately while recognizing Qatar’s importance as a US ally," Trump commented. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations persist in Gaza. Local health officials report at least 16 Palestinians were killed in recent air raids targeting residential homes and a displaced family’s tent. Israeli forces also demolished a 16-story building—believed to be Gaza’s tallest—citing its use for "terrorist infrastructure," after warning occupants to evacuate. The ongoing conflict has intensified international criticism of Israel, with numerous human rights groups labeling its Gaza campaign as genocidal due to the substantial civilian death toll that surpasses 64,000. Israel rejects these accusations, deeming its actions as self-defense following Hamas’s October 7 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in over 250 hostages. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani affirmed Doha’s commitment to continue mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the US despite Israeli provocations. As diplomatic initiatives advance amid escalating violence, the region faces mounting uncertainty over prospects for durable peace.

NPA Admits Responsibility for Fatal Shooting in Tayasan, Negros Oriental

The Romeo Nanta Command, part of the New People’s Army (NPA) South Central Negros Guerrilla Front, has declared responsibility for a shooting incident in Sitio Dinacupan, Barangay Lag-it, Tayasan, Negros Oriental. The attack resulted in the death of a 40-year-old farmer known by the alias "Tata." According to initial investigations, four unidentified assailants opened fire on the victim using an unspecified firearm, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds that led to his death. The victim, "Tata," was reported to have been an alleged intelligence operative for the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), a claim made by the NPA following the incident. The Tayasan Municipal Police Station stated that the suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction. The incident was brought to the attention of authorities by a local civilian witness. The police continue to investigate the case as they seek to identify and apprehend those responsible.

China Urges Philippines to Halt Provocative Actions Amid Joint Military Drills in South China Sea

China issued a warning to the Philippines on Sunday, urging an immediate stop to what it called "provocative actions" in the South China Sea following recent joint maritime exercises conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in coordination with Japan and the United States. The 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity took place from September 12 to 13 off the coast of Zambales province. This marked the second joint exercise this month involving the three nations, featuring a variety of operations such as anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue drills, and tactical maneuvers. During the exercises, the AFP deployed the BRP Jose Rizal frigate, anti-submarine helicopters, and several aircraft, including four FA-50 fighter jets. The United States contributed the USS John Finn destroyer, a maritime patrol aircraft, and two helicopters, while Japan participated with the JS Osumi landing ship. Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, stated that Chinese forces conducted "routine patrols" in the South China Sea concurrent with the exercises. He warned that China is prepared to respond robustly against actions perceived as escalatory. "We solemnly warn the Philippine side to immediately stop provoking incidents and engaging in actions that heighten tensions in the South China Sea," Tian said. He emphasized that Chinese troops "remain on high alert to resolutely safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and national security." The South China Sea is a strategically critical maritime corridor, facilitating over $3 trillion in annual trade. Beijing asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire sea, despite contested claims by the Philippines and other neighboring countries. In asserting its own territorial claim, the Philippines has designated parts of the area as the West Philippine Sea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive claims. However, China rejected the verdict and continues to assert control. Further escalating tensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended Beijing’s establishment of the Huangyan Dao National Nature Reserve in the disputed Scarborough Shoal, known locally in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc. Lin insisted that the area has historically been Chinese territory. The Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest against this move. Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona condemned the establishment of the reserve as "an illegitimate and unlawful action." Previous statements from the DFA have emphasized that any construction activities on Scarborough Shoal cross a "red line" for the Philippine government. Scarborough Shoal, situated approximately 124 nautical miles from Zambales province, has been under effective Chinese control since a 2012 maritime standoff, remaining a flashpoint in the ongoing territorial disputes in the region.

Japan, US, Philippines Conduct Joint Naval Exercises Amid South China Sea Tensions

Naval forces from Japan, the Philippines, and the United States carried out a coordinated maritime exercise in the South China Sea on September 13, signaling strengthened defense collaboration amidst rising regional tensions. The operation featured Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Osumi (LST-4001), alongside vessels from the Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy, participating in what officials termed a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA). These exercises took place in waters where China has increased naval and coast guard presence in recent months, triggering concerns among Southeast Asian countries and Western partners. In a joint declaration, the three nations reiterated their commitment to maintaining a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” a strategic initiative promoting adherence to international law, free commerce, and freedom of navigation. The statement emphasized, "This activity underscores our shared dedication to regional stability and maritime security, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)." The South China Sea continues to be a critical hotspot in diplomatic relations and U.S.-China interactions, largely due to China’s extensive territorial claims. These claims were ruled unlawful by an international tribunal in 2016. Recently, Chinese vessels have been reported to interfere with Philippine resupply missions to military outposts within its exclusive economic zone, prompting diplomatic protests and amplified calls for international support. This joint maritime drill reflects an ongoing effort to enhance security cooperation between Washington, Tokyo, and Manila as they respond to China’s increasingly assertive maneuvers in the contested waters. The South China Sea remains a strategic maritime corridor, with approximately $3 trillion in global trade navigating these routes annually, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability and lawful conduct in the region.

Regional Most Wanted Suspect Arrested in Pasay City

The Southern Police District (SPD) announced on Sunday the capture of a high-profile fugitive in Pasay City. The individual, identified as 67-year-old alias "Mang Domeng," was detained Saturday afternoon at P. Bukaneg within the CCP Complex. He ranks as the seventh most wanted suspect at the regional level in MIMAROPA and faces allegations of statutory rape. Authorities noted that "Mang Domeng" resides primarily in Carlton Village, Rodriguez, Rizal, with a secondary address in Pasay City. The arrest was executed under a warrant from the Regional Trial Court Branch 82 in Odiongan, Romblon, which came with a no-bail directive. Following his arrest, the suspect was handed over to the Pasay CPS Warrant and Subpoena Section for documentation. Coordination efforts are ongoing with the Calatrava Municipal Police Station in Romblon to facilitate further legal procedures.