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Metro Manila, Philippines – A Dutch warship deployed in the Indo-Pacific was approached by the Chinese Navy while passing through the South China Sea before arriving in Manila this week, according to the vessel’s commander. Commander Roger de Wit of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter said the interaction took place after the ship entered the South China Sea through the Balabac Strait near Palawan. “We went to Celebes Sea, Sulu Sea and south of Palawan to Balabac Strait and that’s when we entered the South China Sea,” de Wit told reporters aboard the vessel. “Our interaction with the Chinese Navy was limited. We were approached by a helicopter but it was really professional on both sides. They just asked who we were and they left,” he added. The Dutch warship is currently in Manila for a port visit marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter arrived in Manila on Friday, May 22, as Dutch officials conveyed interest in expanding defense and maritime cooperation l. Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts described the warship’s visit as part of the Netherlands’ growing Indo-Pacific engagement and its strengthening partnership with Manila. “The visit of this frigate is very timely as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations,” Geraedts said. She said the deployment could pave the way for broader ties. “I hope we are looking into further cooperation. The ship is the first step of the process,” she said. Asked about the possibility of a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines, Geraedts said: “We are considering all options for our Indo-Pacific strategy.” “As Netherlands, stability and security in this region [are important], and the frigate visit is the first step,” she added. The Dutch ambassador…

Metro Manila, Philippines – National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag on Saturday, May 23, said Senator Bato dela Rosa is considered “armed and dangerous” under standard protocol for fugitives. Matibag said this is standard procedure in operations involving fugitives, noting that authorities always assume a potential threat. “It’s our standard protocol that if we’re doing search or locating a fugitive from justice – ang presumption namin lagi is armadao ‘yan at delikado yung magiging approach,” he said, adding that agents are instructed “to proceed with caution everytime.” [Translation: Our presumption is that they are always armed and the approach will be dangerous.] He said this caution is especially applied in Dela Rosa’s case due to his background in law enforcement and cited the Senate shoutout on May 13 as a factor in their assessment. Matibag also warned that people who assist fugitives may face criminal liability.He said members of…

Metro Manila, Philippines – As another possible leadership change in the Senate hogs the grapevine, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Saturday, May 22, endorsed Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian for Senate president, saying this is backed by what he called the “Solid Bloc 11” minority. In a statement posted on social media, Pangilinan said the group unanimously wants Gatchalian to lead the embattled chamber, citing his performance during deliberations on the 2026 national budget. “Gusto naming lahat na kabilang ng SB-11, o Solid Bloc 11, na maging Senate president si Senator Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian,” said Pangilinan. [Translation: All members of Solid Bloc 11 want Senator Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian to be the next Senate president.] He said Gatchalian proved he could “protect the people’s money” and ensure government funds are allocated to sectors that need them most. Pangilinan also described Gatchalian as “competent, steady, and fair,” and that he could unite a…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Senator Richard Gordon slammed the recent chaos inside the Senate, describing the chamber as a “fortress for those who are guilty” amid the controversy surrounding Senator Ronald dela Rosa and the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Speaking to NewsWatch Plus on The Newsmaker, Gordon said the Senate’s credibility has been severely damaged following last week’s gunfire incident and political turmoil inside the chamber. “What has the Senate done? A Senate that’s become a fortress for those who are guilty so that they can hide them,” Gordon said. “And that is not the only problem. Sa pulis, kabaro. Hindi ko huhulihin ‘yan, kabaro ko ‘yan. Sa Senado, kasama namin sa Senado ‘yan,” he added. [Translation: In the police, they say: ‘I won’t arrest him because he’s one of us.’ In the Senate, it’s: ‘He’s one of our colleagues.’] The former senator added that…