Murad Ebrahim (center), the chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), delivers a message during an event at Malacañang Palace in Manila to mark the second anniversary of the region’s establishment, Jan. 21, 2021.

Philippine Archbishop Backs Extension for Bangsamoro Transitional Authority

Elections scheduled for next year in the south would only stop momentum of reforms implemented by BTA, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo says.

Police examine high powered rifles recovered from alleged drug dealers following a security operation in the southern Philippines, Jan. 23, 2021.

Policeman, 12 Suspected Drug Traffickers Killed in Shootout in Southern Philippines

2021-01-23

Villagers in area where incident occurred sobbed as they came out of their homes after security operation ended.

A China Coast Guard ship attempts to block a Philippine government ship near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 29, 2014.

China Passes Law Allowing Coastguard to Use Force against Foreign Vessels

2021-01-22

New law allows China Coast Guard to “take all necessary measures including the use of weapons to stop infringements and eliminate dangers.”

Japan’s Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide speaks at the 75th annual United Nations General Assembly that was held virtually, Sept. 25, 2020.

Japan Becomes Latest Nation to Contest Beijing’s Claims in South China Sea

2021-01-22

It denounced China’s efforts to limit freedom of navigation and overflight on disputed waterway.

A city hall employee (left) in Manila takes part in a vaccination simulation, ahead of the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, Jan. 19, 2021.

16 New Cases of Highly Contagious COVID-19 Strain Found in Northern Philippines

Infections from new coronavirus variant now total 17.

A Dec. 14, 2020, satellite image of Woody Island, where China is conducting construction work on the northern coast to prevent erosion.

China Reclaims Land, Fortifies Coast of South China Sea Island Base to Prevent Erosion

Woody Island, the reclamation site, is the largest natural land feature that China occupies in the disputed waterway.

This photo released by local police shows ammunition for a grenade launcher that was recovered during a raid on a suspected hideout of a pro-Islamic State militant in Polomolok, Philippines, Jan. 21, 2021.

Police Kill 5 Suspected IS-linked Militants in Southern Philippines

Authorities identify suspects who were slain in South Cotabato province as members of Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines.

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Philippines: Extended Bangsamoro Transition Reasonable, but Risky

Philippines: Extended Bangsamoro Transition Reasonable, but Risky

How is China Using its Wealth and Power to Control the South China Sea?

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