Bianca Dava
@biancadavalee.bsky.social
🇵🇭 Defense Reporter | ABS-CBN News
Hello, Likas Island! We were just here two weeks ago! 🏝️✈️
June 20, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Hello, Likas Island! We were just here two weeks ago! 🏝️✈️
WATCH: A PCG Cessna Caravan aircraft issued radio challenges to Chinese maritime militia vessels that have been swarming Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea since Tuesday, June 17.
On Friday, two China Coast Guard ships were also monitored near the reef.
On Friday, two China Coast Guard ships were also monitored near the reef.
June 20, 2025 at 9:36 AM
WATCH: A PCG Cessna Caravan aircraft issued radio challenges to Chinese maritime militia vessels that have been swarming Rozul Reef in the West Philippine Sea since Tuesday, June 17.
On Friday, two China Coast Guard ships were also monitored near the reef.
On Friday, two China Coast Guard ships were also monitored near the reef.
Rozul Reef lies 128 nautical miles from Palawan, well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In addition to aircraft, two 44-meter vessels of the PCG continue to monitor the activities of Chinese ships at Rozul Reef.
In addition to aircraft, two 44-meter vessels of the PCG continue to monitor the activities of Chinese ships at Rozul Reef.
June 20, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Rozul Reef lies 128 nautical miles from Palawan, well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In addition to aircraft, two 44-meter vessels of the PCG continue to monitor the activities of Chinese ships at Rozul Reef.
In addition to aircraft, two 44-meter vessels of the PCG continue to monitor the activities of Chinese ships at Rozul Reef.
The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday conducted a maritime domain awareness flight over Rozul or Iroquois Reef, where at least 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels continue to stay illegally.
China also deployed two coast guard vessels to the reef.
China also deployed two coast guard vessels to the reef.
June 20, 2025 at 8:42 AM
The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday conducted a maritime domain awareness flight over Rozul or Iroquois Reef, where at least 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels continue to stay illegally.
China also deployed two coast guard vessels to the reef.
China also deployed two coast guard vessels to the reef.
PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese research vessels launched their rubber boats and conducted maritime marine scientific research in the Pag-asa Cays, which are within Pag-asa Island’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea.
June 20, 2025 at 7:59 AM
PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese research vessels launched their rubber boats and conducted maritime marine scientific research in the Pag-asa Cays, which are within Pag-asa Island’s 12-nautical mile territorial sea.
WATCH: The Philippine Coast Guard conducted a maritime domain awareness flight in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.
At least 25 Chinese maritime militia vessels, two China Coast Guard vessels and two Chinese research ships were monitored near Pag-asa Island.
At least 25 Chinese maritime militia vessels, two China Coast Guard vessels and two Chinese research ships were monitored near Pag-asa Island.
June 20, 2025 at 7:54 AM
WATCH: The Philippine Coast Guard conducted a maritime domain awareness flight in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.
At least 25 Chinese maritime militia vessels, two China Coast Guard vessels and two Chinese research ships were monitored near Pag-asa Island.
At least 25 Chinese maritime militia vessels, two China Coast Guard vessels and two Chinese research ships were monitored near Pag-asa Island.
LOOK: At least 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels have been monitored in Rozul Reef or Iroquois Reef, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Thursday.
Rozul Reef is approximately 128 nautical miles away from Palawan, well within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Rozul Reef is approximately 128 nautical miles away from Palawan, well within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
June 19, 2025 at 3:31 AM
LOOK: At least 50 Chinese maritime militia vessels have been monitored in Rozul Reef or Iroquois Reef, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Thursday.
Rozul Reef is approximately 128 nautical miles away from Palawan, well within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Rozul Reef is approximately 128 nautical miles away from Palawan, well within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
“WE NEED MORE.”
The Philippine Air Force on Tuesday said the acquisition of 12 more FA-50 light combat aircraft will not diminish the chances of acquiring other multi-role fighters (MRF) as these are different platforms that would enhance its fleet.
The Philippine Air Force on Tuesday said the acquisition of 12 more FA-50 light combat aircraft will not diminish the chances of acquiring other multi-role fighters (MRF) as these are different platforms that would enhance its fleet.
June 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
“WE NEED MORE.”
The Philippine Air Force on Tuesday said the acquisition of 12 more FA-50 light combat aircraft will not diminish the chances of acquiring other multi-role fighters (MRF) as these are different platforms that would enhance its fleet.
The Philippine Air Force on Tuesday said the acquisition of 12 more FA-50 light combat aircraft will not diminish the chances of acquiring other multi-role fighters (MRF) as these are different platforms that would enhance its fleet.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said that a general court martial has convened to determine the guilt of a Philippine Air Force major general accused of rape through sexual assault and attempted rape through sexual assault by two junior officers.
June 17, 2025 at 4:49 AM
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said that a general court martial has convened to determine the guilt of a Philippine Air Force major general accused of rape through sexual assault and attempted rape through sexual assault by two junior officers.
WATCH: The Chinese vessel eventually managed to free itself around 4:30 p.m.
“Based sa observation ng troops doon sa Pag-asa, walang humila. Kusa siyang nakaalis,” Collado says.
“Based sa observation ng troops doon sa Pag-asa, walang humila. Kusa siyang nakaalis,” Collado says.
June 8, 2025 at 12:46 AM
WATCH: The Chinese vessel eventually managed to free itself around 4:30 p.m.
“Based sa observation ng troops doon sa Pag-asa, walang humila. Kusa siyang nakaalis,” Collado says.
“Based sa observation ng troops doon sa Pag-asa, walang humila. Kusa siyang nakaalis,” Collado says.
Captain Ellaine Rose Collado, Public Affairs Officer of the Western Naval Command, says residents of Pag-asa Island reported seeing the grounded vessel—resembling those used by the Chinese maritime militia—around 3 p.m. on Saturday.
June 8, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Captain Ellaine Rose Collado, Public Affairs Officer of the Western Naval Command, says residents of Pag-asa Island reported seeing the grounded vessel—resembling those used by the Chinese maritime militia—around 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The Chinese vessel that ran aground in waters off the eastern part of Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West PH Sea was able to extricate itself more than an hour after the incident was first reported to authorities on Saturday, says the PH Navy.
June 8, 2025 at 12:46 AM
The Chinese vessel that ran aground in waters off the eastern part of Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West PH Sea was able to extricate itself more than an hour after the incident was first reported to authorities on Saturday, says the PH Navy.
WATCH: The Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio issues a radio challenge to PLA Navy vessel with bow number 525, saying it is within PH territorial sea.
The Chinese warship was monitored 6.4 nautical miles northwest of Panata Island in the Kalayaan Island Group.
The Chinese warship was monitored 6.4 nautical miles northwest of Panata Island in the Kalayaan Island Group.
June 6, 2025 at 1:15 AM
WATCH: The Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio issues a radio challenge to PLA Navy vessel with bow number 525, saying it is within PH territorial sea.
The Chinese warship was monitored 6.4 nautical miles northwest of Panata Island in the Kalayaan Island Group.
The Chinese warship was monitored 6.4 nautical miles northwest of Panata Island in the Kalayaan Island Group.
The PLA Navy vessel was monitored 4.6 nautical miles away from the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) around 7:40 a.m. on Friday.
PS17 issued a radio challenge to the Chinese warship; the latter responded after 13 minutes.
PS17 issued a radio challenge to the Chinese warship; the latter responded after 13 minutes.
June 6, 2025 at 12:53 AM
The PLA Navy vessel was monitored 4.6 nautical miles away from the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) around 7:40 a.m. on Friday.
PS17 issued a radio challenge to the Chinese warship; the latter responded after 13 minutes.
PS17 issued a radio challenge to the Chinese warship; the latter responded after 13 minutes.
JUST IN: A Ma’anshan Jiangkai II-class frigate of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with bow number 525 was monitored as the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducts its maritime patrol in the vicinity of Panata Island in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.
June 6, 2025 at 12:53 AM
JUST IN: A Ma’anshan Jiangkai II-class frigate of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with bow number 525 was monitored as the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducts its maritime patrol in the vicinity of Panata Island in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.
LOOK: Behind the detachment is a garden, which helps supplement the troops’ food supply.
June 5, 2025 at 12:55 PM
LOOK: Behind the detachment is a garden, which helps supplement the troops’ food supply.
Soldiers stationed at Likas raise animals like goats and chickens. They also keep cats and dogs.
June 5, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Soldiers stationed at Likas raise animals like goats and chickens. They also keep cats and dogs.
Their drinking water comes from mainland Palawan, while water for bathing and washing comes from a spring-fed pump at the detachment.
“The secondary source is ang ulan,” says Col. Joel Bonavente, commander of the Naval Task Force 42.
“The secondary source is ang ulan,” says Col. Joel Bonavente, commander of the Naval Task Force 42.
June 5, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Their drinking water comes from mainland Palawan, while water for bathing and washing comes from a spring-fed pump at the detachment.
“The secondary source is ang ulan,” says Col. Joel Bonavente, commander of the Naval Task Force 42.
“The secondary source is ang ulan,” says Col. Joel Bonavente, commander of the Naval Task Force 42.
LOOK: Troops on Likas Island have their own generator and solar panels for power supply.
June 5, 2025 at 12:40 PM
LOOK: Troops on Likas Island have their own generator and solar panels for power supply.
WELCOME TO LIKAS ISLAND! 🏝️🇵🇭
At the front of the island, the Philippine flag waves proudly.
Likas Island is the second largest Philippine-occupied feature in the West Philippine Sea covering 18 hectares.
At the front of the island, the Philippine flag waves proudly.
Likas Island is the second largest Philippine-occupied feature in the West Philippine Sea covering 18 hectares.
June 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
WELCOME TO LIKAS ISLAND! 🏝️🇵🇭
At the front of the island, the Philippine flag waves proudly.
Likas Island is the second largest Philippine-occupied feature in the West Philippine Sea covering 18 hectares.
At the front of the island, the Philippine flag waves proudly.
Likas Island is the second largest Philippine-occupied feature in the West Philippine Sea covering 18 hectares.
Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines visited Likas Island, the 2nd largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Kalayaan Island Group, on Thursday. Members of the media were given a glimpse of the facilities on the island, as well as the daily lives of troops stationed there. #SelfiePatrol
June 5, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines visited Likas Island, the 2nd largest Philippine-occupied feature in the Kalayaan Island Group, on Thursday. Members of the media were given a glimpse of the facilities on the island, as well as the daily lives of troops stationed there. #SelfiePatrol
EARLIER: Just days before the 127th Philippine Independence Day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea to reaffirm its commitment in upholding the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights. #SelfiePatrol
June 4, 2025 at 2:08 PM
EARLIER: Just days before the 127th Philippine Independence Day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea to reaffirm its commitment in upholding the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights. #SelfiePatrol
Col. Joel Bonavente, Commander of the Naval Task Force 42, says Filipino and Vietnamese troops stationed at Parola and Pugad, respectively, even get together for friendly games and activities, with the two sides taking turns visiting each other’s occupied features.
June 4, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Col. Joel Bonavente, Commander of the Naval Task Force 42, says Filipino and Vietnamese troops stationed at Parola and Pugad, respectively, even get together for friendly games and activities, with the two sides taking turns visiting each other’s occupied features.
WATCH: Just two kilometers away from Parola Island, one of nine Philippine-occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, is Pugad Island, which is occupied by Vietnam.
The AFP says troops from both countries stationed here coexist peacefully. #SelfiePatrol
The AFP says troops from both countries stationed here coexist peacefully. #SelfiePatrol
June 4, 2025 at 9:50 AM
WATCH: Just two kilometers away from Parola Island, one of nine Philippine-occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, is Pugad Island, which is occupied by Vietnam.
The AFP says troops from both countries stationed here coexist peacefully. #SelfiePatrol
The AFP says troops from both countries stationed here coexist peacefully. #SelfiePatrol
LOOK: A China Coast Guard (CCG) ship, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship and several Chinese maritime militia vessels are seen from Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning.
June 4, 2025 at 12:41 AM
LOOK: A China Coast Guard (CCG) ship, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship and several Chinese maritime militia vessels are seen from Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning.