# Philippines
Latest news and articles about Philippines
Total: 23 articles found
China and Philippines Hold Quiet Sea Talks in Cebu, Pledging Continued Diplomatic Channels
Senior Chinese and Philippine diplomats met in Cebu on January 29, 2026 to discuss maritime and other shared issues, agreeing to maintain diplomatic communications. The talks reflect a mutual interest in managing tensions in the South China Sea, though no specific agreements were announced.
Tokyo Signs Logistics Pact with Manila, Deepening Military Ties and Raising Tensions over China
Japan and the Philippines signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement that will let their forces exchange supplies duty-free during joint operations, accompanied by Japanese security aid and coastal radar deliveries. Tokyo presents the pact as disaster-response and interoperability cooperation, but it also deepens military ties that could strengthen deterrence against China and raise regional tensions.
Deadly Ferry Sinking Exposes Chronic Safety Failures in the Philippines
A passenger ferry sank off Basilan on 26 January, leaving at least 18 dead, 24 missing and more than 300 rescued. The accident highlights persistent maritime safety failures in the Philippines — from poor maintenance and rough seas to inadequate enforcement and limited rescue capacity — and will likely spur calls for regulatory and operational reforms.
Another Philippine Ferry Sinks, Laying Bare Long‑standing Maritime Safety Failures
A passenger cargo ferry sank off southern Philippines on 26 January, with at least 317 rescued, 18 confirmed dead and dozens missing. The disaster highlights chronic maritime safety shortcomings—poor maintenance, severe weather, and weak enforcement—that regularly imperil travel between the country’s islands.
China Coast Guard Rescues Filipino Sailors Near Disputed Shoal, Underscoring Humanitarian Cooperation Amid Tension
Chinese coast guard vessels rescued 17 sailors after a cargo ship capsized near Huangyan Island; two died and four remain missing. Filipino survivors publicly thanked Chinese rescuers, and a formal handover to the Philippine coast guard took place on January 25, an episode that temporarily eases tensions in a disputed maritime area while carrying broader strategic implications.
Passenger Vessel Capsizes off Davao: 15 Dead, Dozens Missing as China’s Embassy Seeks Information
A passenger boat capsized off Davao in the Philippines on January 26, killing 15 and leaving 43 missing while more than 300 people were rescued. China’s embassy is coordinating with its Davao consulate but has not confirmed the nationalities of those involved as Philippine authorities continue search-and-rescue operations.
China Hands Over 17 Rescued Seafarers to the Philippines, Signalling Humanitarian Cooperation at Sea
China publicly handed over 17 rescued seafarers to the Philippines, with footage highlighting the humanitarian handover. The episode underscores the potential for practical maritime cooperation to complement, but not resolve, broader territorial tensions in the South China Sea.
China Coast Guard Rescues and Hands Over 17 Filipino Seafarers Near Disputed Scarborough Shoal
The China Coast Guard rescued 17 Filipino seafarers after a cargo vessel capsized near Huangyan (Scarborough Shoal) on January 23, handing them to Philippine authorities on January 25. Two crew members died and four remain missing, and the operation highlights both humanitarian cooperation and the geopolitical sensitivities of conducting rescues in contested South China Sea waters.
Death Toll Rises to Seven After Vessel Sinks in Davao Bay; Several Still Missing
A vessel that went missing in Davao Bay on January 19 has resulted in seven confirmed deaths and multiple people still missing, officials said on January 24. The Philippine Coast Guard rescued one survivor and continues search-and-rescue operations while the cause of the sinking remains unclear.
China Coast Guard Rescues Dozens After Philippines Crew Ship Capsizes Near Scarborough Shoal, Highlighting Humanitarian Role and Geopolitical Significance
China Coast Guard ships Dongsha and Sanmen conducted a search-and-rescue operation after a foreign cargo vessel carrying 21 Filipino crew capsized near Huangyan Island on January 23, recovering 13 people so far. The rescue underscores the humanitarian role of China’s coast guard while highlighting the geopolitical sensitivities of operating near the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Philippines to Lift Ban on xAI’s Grok After Promised Fixes for Sexual-Content Abuse
The Philippines will lift its ban on xAI’s Grok once the company implements promised fixes to stop the chatbot being used to generate sexually explicit images, including alleged child-exploitative content. Authorities will continue close monitoring, following platform-level restrictions introduced earlier by X to block generation of real-person nudity.