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Philippine Coast Guard

The latest news and top stories on Philippine Coast Guard. A prominent Manila-based governmental body, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is the Philippines’ third armed uniformed service, attached to the Department of Transportation. Its primary mission encompasses maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection. The PCG is crucial for safeguarding life and property at sea, enforcing laws within Philippine waters, and protecting marine resources. It plays a vital role in asserting national maritime interests, notably in the West Philippine Sea, and is undergoing significant modernisation.

Manila says China’s Xiang Yang Hong 33 vessel, pictured, was monitored carrying out “unauthorised” marine scientific research operations in the western part of Iroquois Reef on Wednesday. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard

South China Sea

Why is a Chinese research ship a flashpoint with Philippines in South China Sea?

Beijing and Manila trade accusations after incident near Iroquois Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands this week.

8 May 2026 - 9:03PMvideocam

Philippine Coast Guard

Why is a Chinese research ship a flashpoint with Philippines in South China Sea?

Beijing and Manila trade accusations after incident near Iroquois Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands this week.

Philippines strengthens South China Sea grip with permanent base on Thitu Island

‘Deliberate signal’: Philippines elevates officer amid South China Sea tensions

Art as advocacy: Philippine mural contest adds to South China Sea messaging push

The government-backed drive is the latest in a series of creative campaigns aiming to shape public narrative around the maritime dispute.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

China and the Philippines are both signalling openness to diplomacy alongside continued military flexing, but this may not be sustainable.

Amid Chinese embassy row, Philippines eyes boosting Spratlys population

Filipino leaders from Kalayaan and Chinese embassy officials in Manila have clashed over entry bans for personnel on either side.

Leaked letter spotlights Philippines’ South China Sea tug of war

The letter by Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro warns against public exchanges that could narrow the country’s ‘diplomatic space’.

Calls grow for tougher rules to track foreign-paid ‘trolls’ in Philippines

Retired justice says updating the Foreign Agents Act will help deter individuals from espousing pro-Beijing content.

New gas find prompts Philippines to step up defence of energy frontier

The move to boost security around Malampaya East-1 is seen as a test case for protecting future offshore energy projects in contested waters.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Parents lose baby in Philippine ferry sinking

More than 350 were on board the inter-island ferry from Zamboanga when it sank on its way to Jolo island.

At least 18 dead after ferry sinks in southern Philippines

More than 350 were on board the inter-island ferry from Zamboanga to Jolo island when it apparently encountered technical problems and sank.

Filipino crew head home after China Coast Guard rescue near Scarborough Shoal

Chinese vessels transfer 15 survivors and the remains of two others to Philippine ships on Sunday afternoon.

‘Game changer’: Philippines eyes French boost for maritime defence

The project is expected to significantly expand the coastguard’s fleet at a time of growing operational demands in Philippine waters.

Claims of lies, coercion in Beijing-Manila war of words over South China Sea

On Monday, a Manila maritime council accused China of aggressive tactics; the next day Beijing said the Philippines was ‘provoking trouble’.

Philippine navy ‘up to the challenge’ of defending territory in South China Sea

Manila is banking on modern ships and global alliances to challenge China’s increasing presence in the contentious waters.

Philippines investigates claims of Chinese dredger using ‘30 identities’

A US-based maritime monitoring group has alleged a Chinese ship used different identities and flags while working in Philippine waters.

China accuses Philippines of ‘premeditated’ provocations near Sabina Shoal

Meanwhile, Manila says Philippine fishing boats were targeted by Chinese coastguard water cannons near disputed South China Sea reef.

Philippines boosts deterrence in South China Sea by tripling its patrol area

Manila also aims to improve maritime coordination among Philippine agencies in disputed areas such as the Scarborough Shoal.

Filipinos rally behind coastguard amid sea tensions, US alliance debate

A poll revealed high ratings for the force despite pro-Duterte lawmakers disparaging it over growing Manila-Washington defence ties.

Grounded: Philippines bans politician’s 13-plane fleet from resale amid scandal

A Gulfstream jet and two helicopters linked to Zaldy Co have been found overseas amid attempts by authorities to freeze his assets.

Philippine military fires back as Duterte’s son takes potshot at US ties

Paolo Duterte’s claims of the military ‘showing off for America’ are aimed at undermining the current administration, analysts say.

Why the US is eyeing Philippines’ coastguard with 3-year training plan

The multimillion-dollar plan, while seemingly a routine partnership, will deepen Washington’s regional footprint under a non-military banner.

China deploys new floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal, satellite image shows

Barrier seen blocking entrance to lagoon at the contested atoll where tensions between Beijing and Manila have intensified.

PLA tanker ‘spotted resupplying coastguard vessel’ near Scarborough Shoal

Philippine maritime domain awareness report suggests PLA replenishment ship Qinghaihu was part of multi-vessel manoeuvre with coastguard.

Doubts greet Philippines-China coastguard deal to calm disputed waters

Analysts are cautiously optimistic about the proposed pact as past efforts to lower the temperature in the waterway have had limited success.

Tropical Storm Fengshen kills at least 7 in Philippines, heads for China

More than 22,000 people were evacuated as the storm, known locally as Ramil, brought torrential rain, floods, and landslides.

China begins drills near Scarborough Shoal as US-Philippine naval exercises end

Combat rehearsals follow recent confrontations between Beijing and Manila over disputed territories in resource-rich South China Sea.

China says it expelled Philippine planes from disputed South China Sea reef

Beijing says the aircraft had ‘illegally entered’ Chinese airspace over Scarborough Shoal, but Manila said its planes had been put in danger.

Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

Video | Parents lose baby in Philippine ferry sinking