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Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:03:34 GMT

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

...More articles here

Location of the Philippines

To write, edit, start or view other articles on the Philippines, see the Philippines Portal

The Philippines said yesterday it will take China to an arbitration tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on a series of territorial disputes involving the South China Sea.

According to Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Manila chose this move after exhausting "almost all political and diplomatic avenues." He also says he has already informed the Chinese ambassador in Manila.

Disputes such as those involving the Scarborough Shoal and China's Nine-dotted line map are likely to be tackled. The Philippines has stated the map issued by China is unlawful under UNCLOS, which includes both countries as signatories.

The Philippines and China are involved in a variety of disputes in the South China Sea along with Taiwan and ASEAN members Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The current chair of ASEAN, Brunei, has stated it seeks a legally-binding "code of conduct" for the disputes.

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Sister links [edit]

Territorial disputes in the South China Sea

Sources [edit]

"Philippines 'to take South China Sea row to court'" — BBC News Online, January 22, 2013
Michaela Del Callar. "PHL takes territorial spat with China to int'l arbitration" — GMA News, January 22, 2013
"PH to take China dispute to UN tribunal" — Rappler, January 22, 2013
AFP. "New ASEAN chair Brunei to seek South China Sea code of conduct" — GMA News, January 14, 2013

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US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 05:55:39 GMT

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

...More articles here

Location of the Philippines

To write, edit, start or view other articles on the Philippines, see the Philippines Portal

USS Guardian.
Image: U.S. Navy.

The USS Guardian, a United States Navy vessel used for destroying mines, ran aground in the Philippines' Tubbataha Reef National Park in the Sulu Sea on Thursday, according to the US Navy.

The US Navy said the incident occurred at 2:25 a.m. local time about 130 km east-southeast of the province of Palawan in the Philippines and about 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, the capital of the province. There were no reports of injuries nor signs of fuel leakage. The ship has a crew of 80 and had previously completed a port call at Subic Bay earlier in the week.

The US Navy also said they were investigating the incident. They also said in a statement, "The crew is currently working to determine the best method of safely extracting the ship". An Avenger class mine countermeasures ship, the ship was on its way to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. It is assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet and based in Sasebo, Nagasaki in Japan.

The US Embassy in Manila stated, "The Government of the Philippines was promptly informed of the incident and offered to assist the U.S. Navy, and we greatly appreciate their offers of assistance [...] The safety of the Guardian’s crew and preventing harm to the environment are the U.S. Navy's top priorities". An official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines based in Palawan told reporters they have deployed a force offering to assist the Guardian.

Under sections 19 and 26 of the Tubbataha Reefs National Park Act of 2009, Republic Act 10067, the US Navy can be charged with unauthorized entry and could pay 12,000PHP for each square meter of reef destroyed.

A similar incident occurred in 2005 when the Rainbow Warrior ran aground in the same vicinity. Greenpeace, an environmental advocacy group and owners of the Rainbow Warrior, were fined 384,000PHP (US$6,857) for damaging a reef area of 32 by 3 meters (105 by 10 feet).

Tubbataha Reef has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and covers 97,030 hectares. A diverse variety of coral reef and marine life currently take refuge within the park including sharks and turtles. The reef is also known as a popular recreational diving site.

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Sources [edit]

Carlos Santamaria. "US Navy ship damaged coral in Tubbataha" — Rappler, January 17, 2013
"US Navy warship runs aground in Tubbataha Reef; no reports of fuel leaks" — GMA News, January 17, 2013
Matthew M. Burke. "Sasebo-based ship runs aground off Philippine coast" — Stars and Stripes (newspaper), January 17, 2013
Jaime Laude. "US ship runs aground in Tubbataha Reef" — The Philippine Star, January 17, 2013

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Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:07:50 GMT

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

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South China Sea maritime claims, June 2011.
Image: Voice of America.

The Philippines announced today it will host a meeting on December 12 in Manila regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The meeting of deputy foreign ministers is to be attended by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the host country.

The meeting is a new step in attempts to solve disputes between these countries and China. China has previously stated it wishes to solve the disputes bilaterally instead of multilaterally. It comes after the failure of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to produce a consensus on how to solve the disputes during a summit this month. Cambodia, an ally of China, is the current chair of ASEAN.

Current disputes in the South China Sea include areas such as the Spratly Islands and the Scarborough Shoal. China and Taiwan each claim nearly the whole sea while the countries attending the meeting claim parts of it.

The area contains abundant fishing grounds and important shipping lanes. Large fossil fuel deposits are believed located in the area.

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Sources [edit]

AP. "Philippines calls 4-country meeting to discuss territorial disputes in South China Sea" — The Washington Post, November 21, 2012
AFP. "Philippines to host four-way maritime talks" — Channel NewsAsia, November 21, 2012
"Philippines to Host Meeting on South China Sea Disputes" — Voice of America, November 21, 2012

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UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 09:07:54 GMT

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Emblem of the United Nations
Image: Spiff.

Uruguay

Sources [edit]

"International treaty on domestic workers’ rights to come into force next year – UN" — United Nations, September 5, 2012
"Landmark treaty for domestic workers to take effect next year" — Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 6, 2012
"Phl maids overseas now protected by ILO convention" — Philippine Star, September 6, 2012
"PHL submits to ILO crucial document on protection of domestic workers" — GMA News, September 6, 2012

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Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:03:42 GMT

Monday, September 3, 2012

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

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Location of the Philippines

To write, edit, start or view other articles on the Philippines, see the Philippines Portal

EDSA, the main thoroughfare of Manila.
Image: Exec8.

The Philippine economy grew by 5.9%, annual rate, during the second quarter of 2012 which is less than the first quarter's figure of more than 6% annual rate, as reported by The Associated Press. According to Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, strong domestic demand from the services sector and spending from money remitted by expatriate Filipinos helped boost the nation's economy despite the ongoing global economic crisis.

In spite of this growth, numerous risks still lurk around the corner, said Balisacan. He said that changes in China and the El Niño remain as the biggest challenges to the economy. Balsican also noted that poor infrastructure may also have a negative impact although spending on infrastructure, which may cost nearly $200 million in investment, may contribute to growth.

The Philippines central bank has cut key interest rates three times already this year in order to continue this economic expansion. Analysts, such as economist Eugene Leow of Singapore-based DBS bank, agree that, "There is definitely room to further cut rates if needed," in order to promote further growth.

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Sources [edit]

"Philippine economy expands 5.9 percent amid public spending and benign inflation" — Washington Post, August 29, 2012
"Philippines sees growth rate slow in second quarter" — BBC News, August 30, 2012
"Philippine growth slows in second quarter" — Financial Times, August 30, 2012
"Philippine Growth Beats Estimates as Spending Counters Risks" — Bloomberg, August 30, 2012

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Maria Lourdes Sereno becomes the first female Philippine Chief Justice

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:15:28 GMT

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

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Maria Lourdes Sereno

Last Saturday, Maria Lourdes Sereno was appointed as Chief Justice Supreme Court in the Philippines, becoming the first woman to hold the post. She replaced Renato Corona, who was impeached last May.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III formally appointed the 52-year-old Sereno Saturday morning. With the post having a retirement age of 70, it is expected to see her serve one of the longest terms for the office.

Like the President, Sereno is also a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University. She continued her studies in University of the Philippines, Diliman and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Born on July 2, 1960 in Manila, Sereno previously served as a legal consultant for the United Nations, the World Bank, the US Agency for International Development, and the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center. She had taught at the University of the Philippines College of Law for nineteen years

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Sources [edit]

"CJ Sereno shuns media interviews" — ABS-CBN News, August 28, 2012
"Maria Lourdes Sereno ‘excellent choice’" — Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 26, 2012

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Airlines modify flight routes amid North Korea rocket launch plans

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:27:33 GMT

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

North Korea

Sources [edit]

"North Korea 'to mount satellite for rocket launch'" — BBC News Online, April 10, 2012
Associated Press. "20 flights on path of North Korea’s rocket rerouted, Philippines closes 3 northeast corridors" — Washington Post, April 9, 2012

External links [edit]

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Wikinews Shorts: January 28, 2012

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:17:38 GMT

A compilation of brief news reports for Saturday, January 28, 2012 .

1 EU official resigns over anti-piracy treaty
2 French troops to end Afghan combat role a year early in 2013
3 United States and Philippines discuss enhanced defense cooperation

If you believe any of these stories deserves more in-depth coverage, feel free to write a full article on the issues raised.

EU official resigns over anti-piracy treaty [edit]

Rapporteur to the European Parliament Kader Arif has resigned yesterday in protest over the signing of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) by 22 members of the European Union on Thursday. He said "I will not participate in this masquerade."

Reaction to the signing treaty, which has still to be ratified, was strong in Poland; thousands protested in Poznan and Lublin, and in the Polish Parliament members of the Palikot's Movement donned Guy Fawkes masks in protest.

The European Commission website maintains that "Anything you can do legally today is still legal after the ratification of ACTA."

David Lee. "European Parliament rapporteur quits in Acta protest" — BBC News Online, January 27, 2012
Charles Arthur. "Acta protests break out as EU states sign up to treaty" — The Guardian, January 27, 2012
"ACTA : un accord qui ne respecte pas le droit européen, signé par l’UE" — L'Humanité, January 27, 2012 (French)
"ACTA - Anti-counterfeiting Trade Agreement" — European Commission, accessed January 28, 2012

French troops to end Afghan combat role a year early in 2013 [edit]

Speaking yesterday after a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced France will end its Afghan combat missions in 2013 — a year earlier than planned.

Following the death of four French soldiers at the hands of an Afghan soldier last week, Sarkozy had threatened early withdrawal of French troops.

"France to resume Afghan troop training despite attack" — BBC News Online, January 27, 2012
"French Troops to Resume Training in Afghanistan" — Voice of America, January 27, 2012

United States and Philippines discuss enhanced defense cooperation [edit]

The United States and the Philippines are discussing the possibility of enhanced defense cooperation, according to officials of both countries. However, there are no plans for bases along the lines of the former United States bases at Subic Bay and Clark Air Base.

The talks come in the context of a shift of United States strategic focus toward Asia, and Chinese claims in the South China Sea.

"Manila not to bring back U.S. military bases in Philippines" — Xinhua News Agency, January 27, 2012
"Philippines seeks to strengthen US defence ties" — BBC News Online, January 27, 2012
"No return of US bases" — Tempo (Philippine newspaper), January 27, 2012

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Observing the 2012 Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the US, and wider world

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:47:37 GMT

Friday, January 13, 2012

Human rights

US-based action [edit]

Reports from across the United States show a number of communities taking local action to solve, or otherwise highlight, this global problem.

In Southern California, Sister Caritas Foster is an advocate for the area's victims of human trafficking. Commenting on the area's involvement, she stated: "We in the San Francisco Bay Area are one of the largest receiving areas with our borders and coasts". For over four years, Foster has worked on educating the public on human trafficking, speaking to civic and religious groups and describing the power traffickers hold over their victims through vivid accounts of situations trafficked individuals find themselves in. Many have no idea where they are located, suffer under the constant threat of deportation, and most often lack the language abilities to seek help.

Los Angeles politician Don Knabe said human trafficking was not a distant problem but one that hits close to home. As the county supervisor overseeing the fourth district in Los Angeles County, Knabe cited figures from the Probation Department showing 84 percent of arrests of children on prostitution charges in 2010 were in his district; he believes the overall problem for the county is much larger, and wants the Probation Department to establish a special unit dedicated to sexually exploited minors.

Northward in Seattle, Washington, members of the King County Sheriff's department realized that law enforcement had to deal supportively with the symptoms of human trafficking — rather than putting victims in jail. This gave birth to the "Genesis Project" where sheriff's deputies offer potential victims of trafficking a comfortable safe haven with amenities for 24 hours, and put them in touch with social services for counselling, job training, and education advice.

Politicians from several states have sought to address the connection between tourism and human trafficking; Indiana's state Senate unanimously passed a human trafficking bill on Tuesday morning. Current legislation only considered forced marriage and prostitution as human trafficking; loopholes in the existing laws allowed some forms of human trafficking to escape prosecution. Lawmakers in the state hope to toughen their human trafficking laws, and have new legislation on the statute books in time for the Super Bowl, due to be held in Indianapolis on February 5. The just-passed bill now goes to the House for approval.

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Also on Tuesday, lawmakers from Hawaii held a special hearing on human trafficking. Kathryn Xian, of Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, says traffickers capitalize on the state's tourist-based economy. She introduced a package of seven bills she says will help prevent human trafficking in the state.

At a national level, the US government continues to work abroad on the issue of trafficking; Luis CdeBaca, a special ambassador for human trafficking, is working with Myanmar, commonly known as Burma, as the country seeks to improve diplomatic relations with the United States. Myanmar was identified by the US State Department as having one of the worst records of forced labor, and as a country that lacks necessary laws to curb human trafficking.

Trafficking, the global picture [edit]

File image of a Nepali mother who travelled to Mumbai, India, hoping to rescue her teenage daughter from an Indian brothel.
Image: Kay Chernush, US State Dept..

Although National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is a US-based effort to recognise, and highlight, this issue — as a topic of global concern being highlighted through the United Nations, others around the world continue efforts to increase public awareness and tackle trafficking.

Forty-six women from the international group Operation Mobilization sought to raise awareness by climbing Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro. The summit is called "Uhuru Peak", with Uhuru meaning "freedom" in Swahili. Each of the non-professional climbers raised US$10,000 to help those affected by human trafficking.

In the Middle East, several countries are reported to have problems with human traffickers recruiting unemployed gay Kenyan men to become sex slaves. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are supposedly the more-common destination countries into which Kenyans are lured with offers of high-paying jobs. However, in the United Arab Emirates — where no law prohibits trafficking, but homosexuality is illegal — the problem is compounded.

Enforcement of existing laws, and acting against trafficking, are seen as key steps in reducing the activity. Showing that no country is unaffected, Northern Ireland police are currently investigating five sex trafficking cases; and, on Monday, Filipino police rescued fifteen women following a tip-off regarding women recruited, and being held, prior to being sent to work abroad.

In the Northern Ireland situation, Detective Superintendent Philip Marshall stated that fifteen men are to be contacted, suspected of having paid for sex with trafficked women. Identifying victims within the UK, or victims seeking help, is becoming more challenging with the sex industry having switched to using hotel rooms as-opposed to street corners. Many victims of trafficking are found to be unaware of where within the country they are.

In the Philippines situation, Zamboanga City police are still seeking the recruiter of the fifteen women rescued in Rio Hondo.

A range of complexities are involved in the sentencing of both those convicted of human trafficking, and their victims. In one Canadian case, 43-year-old Hungarian Lajos Domotor pled guilty to trafficking men and women into forced labor. Following being charged with conspiracy to commit human trafficking, he developed terminal stomach cancer and has been given a 10 to 15 percent chance of living five years.

In the UK, officials are seeking to detect exploitation prior to sentencing — as a counter to the high number of foreign women in jails, frequently having been victims of trafficking. One in seven women prisoners across England and Wales are foreign, with the primary offenses being drug or immigration-related. A report into the issue recommends sentencing decisions should consider the role of women, and of coercion, in such cases.

Artists also have a special role to play in the education and awareness of the public. The first opera about sex trafficking will premiere in Liverpool, England, on March 7. Anya17 was composed by Adam Gorb with a libretto written by Ben Kaye. Performers will come from Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic contemporary music ensemble 10/10. Funding for the production was provided in part by the United Nations.

Sources [edit]

This article is a featured article. It is considered one of the best works of the Wikinews community. See Wikinews:Featured articles for more information.

AP. "US Envoy: Myanmar Weak Against Human Trafficking" — ABC News (United States), January 11, 2012
"PSNI to visit men who paid for sex with trafficked women" — BBC News Online, January 11, 2012
Liz Dossa. "The lure of a better life: Human trafficking in the Bay Area" — Catholic San Francisco, January 11, 2012
Press Association. "Women 'coerced into offending'" — Mid Sussex Times, January 11, 2012
"Women's climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro shouts for Freedom from trafficking" — Mission Network News, January 11, 2012
Brandi Kruse. "Project rescues victims of sex trade in King County" — MyNorthwest.com, January 11, 2012
Bong Garcia. "15 human trafficking victims rescued" — Sun.Star, January 11, 2012
Krista Henery. "Human trafficking bill passes Senate" — WLFI-TV, January 11, 2012
Nicole O’Reilly. "Human trafficker pleads guilty" — The Hamilton Spectator, January 11, 2012
Malia Zimmerman. "Sex Trafficking Victims, Advocates, Lobby Hawaii Legislators for Stronger Laws" — HawaiiReporter.com, January 10, 2012
Paul Chavez (Marina del Rey Patch). "Knabe Raises Issue of Child Prostitution" — Patch Media, January 10, 2012
"Gay Kenyan men trafficked as sex slaves" — UPI, January 10, 2012
Helen Carter. "Opera aims to tackle the issue of human trafficking" — The Guardian, January 9, 2012
Hillary Clinton. "Remarks on the Release of the 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report" — U.S. Department of State, June 27, 2011
Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. ""What Is Trafficking in Persons?", Trafficking in Persons Report 2011" — U.S. Department of State, June 27, 2011

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Philippine court issues arrest warrant for former President Arroyo

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:36:02 GMT

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

...More articles here

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Arroyo in 2009
Image: World Economic Forum.

A Philippine regional court has issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, on charges of election fraud. This came hours after the Philippine Supreme Court found — for the second time this week — that the government could not prohibit her from leaving the country, because no charges had been filed against her.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court temporarily suspended a government ban on Arroyo's leaving the country. Arroyo claims to suffer from a rare bone disease, and arrived by ambulance at the Manila airport, with neck brace and wheelchair, to go abroad for treatment. She was denied exit by officials at the airport.

The Supreme Court's ruling on Friday gave Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ten days to explain why she is not in contempt of court for ordering airport officials to deny Arroyo's exit on Tuesday. If found in contempt of court, she could be subject to a jail term of six to ten months. De Lima maintains the government's actions were legal.

Current President Benigno Aquino was elected last year promising to prosecute his predecessor, Arroyo. When Arroyo became president in 2001, she prosecuted her predecessor for corruption; after six years of luxurious house arrest, Joseph Estrada was convicted and given a life prison sentence, from which Arroyo promptly pardoned him. Aquino has said he would not pardon Arroyo.

Arroyo's father was once President, as was Aquino's mother. Arroyo is now a member of Congress, along with her two sons and a brother-in-law. The Supreme Court is dominated by members appointed by Arroyo.

Last year, Aquino set up a commission to investigate Arroyo, but the commission was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

The current charges against Arroyo are for fraud in the Senate elections of 2007.

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Sources [edit]

"Arrest warrant issued for Philippines' Arroyo" — Al Jazeera English, November 18, 2011
"Philippines court issues Gloria Arroyo arrest warrant" — BBC News Online, November 18, 2011
Manuel Mogato. "Philippines Aquino: Pursuing corruption or just Arroyo?" — Reuters, November 17, 2011

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Philippines welcomes world's 7 billionth baby

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:36:35 GMT

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

...More articles here

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Children in the Philippines.
Image: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul D. Williams.

The Philippines has welcomed the world's seventh billion baby as the world population reaches 7 billion on Monday, October 31, 2011.

The baby girl was born in Jose Fabella Hospital in Manila weighing 5lbs 5oz. She was given a symbolic cake by the United Nations and her birth was also witnessed by the symbolic sixth billion baby who is now 12 years old.

The United Nations has declared October 31 as Seven Billion Day when the world's population reaches the seven billion mark.

The Philippines is currently the world's 12th largest country in terms of population with over half of the people under the age of 25. According to the UN Population Fund, 10 percent of girls ages 15-19 are already childbearing. The organization has stated that the birth could highlight the country's population related issues.

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Sources [edit]

"Welcome to a very full world, Danica: Was this the world's seven billionth baby?" — The Daily Mail, October 30, 2011
"Seven billionth baby born in Philippines" — The China Post, October 31, 2011
"Philippines greets world's possible symbolic 7 billionth baby" — Xinhua, October 31, 2011

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Philippine Foreign Secretary Del Rosario to visit China amid South China Sea territorial dispute

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 14:32:21 GMT

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

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Location of the Philippines

To write, edit, start or view other articles on the Philippines, see the Philippines Portal

Location of the Spratly Islands
Image: Spiridon MANOLIU.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario on June 23, 2011.
Image: United States Department of State.

Del Rosario with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates
Image: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey.

Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario is scheduled to visit China from July 7 to 9, raising hopes that a territorial dispute between the two countries may be resolved.

A six-nation dispute has escalated in the sea concerning territorial claims to several islands including the Spratly Islands. The area is thought to be rich in natural gas and oil. Both the Philippines and China wish to have a peaceful resolution to this conflict. "I’ve been invited to Beijing and we’re looking for peaceful means to settle the challenges facing us," said Del Rosario.

The news comes after the United States and the Philippines began a series of naval exercises last week in the South China Sea, scheduled to last for 11 days. A Philippine military commander stated that the drills are part of an annual series of activities taking place under a defense agreement between the two countries and have nothing to do with the territorial dispute.

The Philippines maintains a close relation with the U.S. as a former territory of the nation.

The drills come at a time when several competing disputes in the South China Sea have begun to intensify. "Since February 25th, we actually have noted as many as nine intrusions of different varieties, but clearly becoming more aggressive and more frequent," said Del Rosario. Several countries in Asia, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan, have territorial claims in the area spanning the Spratly and Paracel Islands. The region may be rich in oil and gas reserves. The US and Philippines have urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address the conflict.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has argued that the United States would remain neutral regarding the disputes. She has also said that the United States has a "national interest" in freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and unimpeded, lawful commerce in the South China Sea." Both countries are bound by a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

On June 27, the US Senate unanimously passed a motion condemning "the use of force by naval and maritime security vessels from China in the South China Sea." China, on the other hand, has stated that it will not use force to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.

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Sources [edit]

Cecil Morella, AFP. "Philippines urges China responsibility" — The China Post, July 2, 2011
"DFA chief's visit to China may ease Spratlys dispute — Palace" — GMA News, July 2, 2011
"US, PHL push for Spratlys issue in ASEAN forum agenda" — GMA News, June 30, 2011
Kate McGeown. "Philippine-US joint naval drill amid tension with China" — BBC News, June 28, 2011
"US joins Philippines for navy exercises amid Spratly tensions" — Radio Australia, June 28, 2011
Kate McGeown. "US 'stands by Philippines' amid South China Sea tension" — BBC News, June 24, 2011
David Gollust. "Clinton Reaffirms US Commitment to Philippines Amid Islands Dispute" — Voice of America, June 23, 2011
Press Release: "Remarks With Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario After Their Meeting" — US State Department, June 23, 2011

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Scientists discover 300 new species on island of Luzon in the Philippines

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:54:13 GMT

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Location of Luzon
Image: Magalhães.

Scientists have identified more than 300 previously unknown species of land and sea creatures, according to a news release from the California Academy of Sciences. They were discovered on a six-week-long expedition that ended in early June, and focused on the Philippine island of Luzon.

The California Academy of Sciences, together with over two dozen Philippine colleagues, conducted the expedition that recorded the new terrestrial and marine life forms. Academy scientists who work in exotic places frequently discover new species, commonly only a few at one time. Finding 300 species that may be unknown on a single expedition is considered to be extraordinary, according to SF Gate.

The findings will be confirmed using microscopes and DNA sequencing. The identification, scientific description and classification of each specimen as new or old, could take many months or even years.

	[W]e found new species during nearly every dive and hike as we surveyed the country's reefs, rainforests, and the ocean floor.
—Terry Gosliner, Dean of Science, California Academy of Sciences

The expedition leader, Terry Gosliner, an invertebrate zoologist who is also Dean of Science at the California academy, said, "The Philippines is one of the hottest of the hot spots for diverse and threatened life on Earth. Despite this designation, however, the biodiversity here is still relatively unknown, and we found new species during nearly every dive and hike as we surveyed the country's reefs, rainforests, and the ocean floor. The species lists and distribution maps that we created during this expedition will help to inform future conservation decisions and ensure that this remarkable biodiversity is afforded the best possible chance of survival." He emphasized the need for scientists to gather in-depth information about the rare life forms there so they can be given a chance to survive.

On the 42-day expedition, academy officials said in the news release that the creatures found include "dozens of new insects and spiders, deep-sea armored corals, ornate sea pens, bizarre new sea urchins and sea stars, a shrimp-eating swell shark, and over 50 colorful new sea slugs."

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Sources [edit]

"Beautiful Photos of 300 New Species Discovered in Philippines" — International Business Times, June 26, 2011
David Perlman. "Luzon: Expedition discovers 300 species on island" — SF Gate, June 25, 2011
Press Release: "More than 300 new species discovered in the Philippines during California Academy of Sciences expedition" — California Academy of Sciences, June 24, 2011

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Investigation launched after small aircraft crashes on Philippines mountain, killing two

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:29:49 GMT

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

...More articles here

Location of the Philippines

To write, edit, start or view other articles on the Philippines, see the Philippines Portal

A Piper Aztec, similar to the aircraft involved in the accident.
Image: Fly-by-Owen.

An investigation is tonight underway after a light aircraft crashed into a popular mountain resort in the Philippines city of Baguio, killing two aboard, and injuring four others. The aircraft, which may have been trying to make an emergency landing, narrowly missed crashing into a tourist resort where a crowd had gathered.

Witnesses said the six-seater Piper Aztec aircraft was flying very low before it clipped pine trees and impacted with the ground, bursting into flames. The crash happened just minutes after it lifted off from Loakan Airport. One person aboard the aircraft was killed instantly, and the four others were taken to hospital where another died. No-one on the ground was hurt in the accident.

Police confirmed the aircraft crashed into a mountain trail and exploded. Wikinews understands air traffic controllers lost contact with the pilot shortly after takeoff, and officials say the aircraft may have suffered technical problems. Police told journalists the pilot might have been attempting to make an emergency landing in an open area but struck trees.

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Sources [edit]

"Aircraft crashes in Baguio; 2 confirmed dead" — ABS-CBN, April 10, 2011
"Plane crash kills 2, injures 4 in Philippine city" — Salon, April 10, 2011
Frank Cimatu. "2nd fatality named in light-plane crash in Baguio City" — Inquirer, April 10, 2011

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Four killed, fourteen others injured at bus blast in Philippines

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 16:50:29 GMT

Philippines

Other stories from the Philippines

23 January 2013: Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims
19 January 2013: US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park
21 November 2012: Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes
9 September 2012: UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013
3 September 2012: Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

...More articles here

Location of the Philippines

To write, edit, start or view other articles on the Philippines, see the Philippines Portal

Saturday, January 29, 2011

An explosion occurred in a bus in the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, in Makati City, Philippines on Tuesday. The blast occurred in shortly before 2 p.m. Four are dead with fourteen more wounded.

After the explosion, the National Capital Region Police Office's Director, Nicanor Bartolome, said that he formed a special investigation team and the city has formed a crisis management committee.

President Benigno Aquino III condoled the grieving families of the dead. The Metro Manila police are now on full alert following the blast. The bus was an air-conditioned model, plate number TXJ-710.

After news reached the Malacañang Palace spokesman Eduardo Lacierda said that the cause of the blast was "some sort of explosive device placed in the vicinity of the middle of the bus." Many passengers had already got off before the explosion; almost half disembarked at Ayala.

A survivor said that they did not notice the explosion because they were all busy watching television. The bus driver noticed an abnormal smell, namely gunpowder. He stated that mechanical failure could not possibly be the cause. The police are yet to establish what type of explosive was used.

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Sources [edit]

"4 killed, 14 others injured in Makati bus explosion" — GMA News, January 25, 2011
"4 dead, 14 hurt in bus explosion along EDSA" — ABS-CBN News, January 25, 2011

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English Wikinews RSS feed.

Philippines seeks United Nations arbitration on South China Sea claims

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US Navy ship damages Tubbataha Reef National Park

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Philippines to host four-country meeting about South China Sea disputes

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UN's Convention on Domestic Workers expected to take effect in 2013

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Philippine economic growth slows slightly in 2nd quarter of 2012

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Maria Lourdes Sereno becomes the first female Philippine Chief Justice

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Four killed, fourteen others injured at bus blast in Philippines

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