Philippines

[phkrause]

The Philippine Missile Crisis: U.S. Deployed Arms to the Philippines and No One Noticed But China

Last spring, the United States quietly placed long-range missile launchers within reach of China’s mainland — and almost no one noticed. There was no congressional debate, no televised announcement, and no vote.

https://theintercept.com/2025/07/30/philippines-missiles-us-china/?

[Joe Knapp]

There are actually two sets of US long range missiles here now. 

The military have small missiles too from the USA. These are fired by people and mounted on tripods. Intended for short range like, shore to ships. 

Philippines has also purchased truck mounted missile systems from India. As did Vietnam.  

Most of China's neighbors are increasing their defenses.  No one trusts them. 

The USA is helping PH make high speed boats to out run the Chinese water cannons. 

China is becoming more dangerous. Their economy is in free fall and the people are in revolt. 

Typically, governments turn to war with problems like this, just to retain power. 

 

[phkrause]

Tensions flare as Chinese and Philippine ships collide near disputed shoal in South China Sea

BEIJING (AP) — China’s coast guard accused a Philippine ship of deliberately ramming one of its vessels on Tuesday near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory that both countries claim in the South China Sea. The Philippines denied it, saying China’s forces used powerful water cannons that damaged its ship and injured a crew member.

https://apnews.com/article/philippines-south-china-sea-scarborough-shoal-collision-fc31a170189e4747b8314fb605ca7d0c?

[Joe Knapp]

Not a big story here. Nothing new. China being a bully. Not news here. 

Quote

Japan will send six of its used navy destroyers to the Philippines in an effort to strengthen Manila’s maritime defense and jointly deter China’s growing influence in regional waters, according to Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun.

This will end the water cannons. Six Destroyers. 

https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/japan-to-send-6-used-warships-to-philippines-to-strengthen-defense-against-china/

[phkrause]

Mound of garbage collapses at Philippine landfill, killing 2 and leaving 36 others missing

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — An avalanche of garbage and debris buried or trapped workers in low-slung buildings at a landfill in the Philippines, killing two people, injuring a dozen and leaving 36 others missing, officials said Friday.

https://apnews.com/article/philippines-landfill-collapse-binaliw-b53f521b4642d8c6b4bc1c7e3d3aa5c5?

ps:Trash probably from the US??

[phkrause]

Gunfire breaks out in Philippine Senate where authorities tried to arrest a senator

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A burst of gunfire rang out late Wednesday in the Philippine Senate, sparking chaos in the building where authorities had tried to arrest a senator wanted by the International Criminal Court in connection with a deadly government crackdown on drugs.

https://apnews.com/article/philippines-gunfire-senate-dela-rosa-icc-fdaeba231d80a51f191b06ce25057f40?

[Joe Knapp]

That's not what is being reported here. 

Seem like a miscommunication between two federal agencies. Two men, one from each agency got confused and started shooting. 

Tension is high because of the possible arrest of a senator, who was connected to the former president, now on trail. 

It is difficult to tell what is true. 

 

[Hanseng]

On 3/12/2025 at 7:23 AM, phkrause said:

a campaign to target dealers.

A favorite refrain from prison inmates is "I didn't do it." I once remarked to a gun tower officer that the U.S. justice system must be a mess, since every inmate imprisoned here was wrongfully convicted. I then asked him if any inmate ever acknowledged his crime and guilt. Only one he could recall was an Armenian who killed the drug dealer who sold to his brother. He warned the guy once. It was driving the boys mother to despair, the drug use; unfortunately, the dealer didn't realize the seriousness of the warning. If the U.S. wants to wage war on drugs, execute dealers. 

Duterte had the right idea.

[Joe Knapp]

2 hours ago, Hanseng said:

 It was driving the boys mother to despair, the drug use; unfortunately, the dealer didn't realize the seriousness of the warning. If the U.S. wants to wage war on drugs, execute dealers. 

Duterte had the right idea.

There are many people here who would agree with you.  However, we never saw any reduction in drug dealers or drug use. After him the national police force formed special units to cover whole cities and with the cooperation of the local Barangay Captain (village chief), they seem to be very successful.  A large group, 40-50,  specializing in one thing with a good intelligence network (Barangay cpt), seems to work better. 

This new administration has new police leadership. They have adopted a "special teams" approach that seems to be very effective. They have a special team for wanted career criminals on the run. This team can go anywhere and follow up on leads. 6-8 people, whose job it is to hunt one person. Like a most wanted. Then, when they have the suspect in sight, they mobilize the local police and move in for arrest. They are very successful. 

They have many different teams. It is working very well.  The best I have seen in 20 years. 

[Hanseng]

1 hour ago, Joe Knapp said:

However, we never saw any reduction in drug dealers or drug use.

Effective in reducing drug use or not, drug dealers should be executed. It may take time but eliminate enough of them, others will get the message.

[Hanseng]

When God brought Israel out of bondage, He implemented laws which some might consider draconian. Various offenses were punishable by death. There was no freedom of religion or speech, for that matter. Illegitimate children were to be aborted. A potion was administered by a priest to that end. Sexual immorality was punishable by death. A system, cities of refuge, was devised to deal with murderers, for which execution was commanded. Homosexuality was explicitly forbidden, no doubt because it was practiced in Egypt. Even with a system like this, the people were ultimately all killed. A new nation was brought forth. Many of the things which God punished with death are now openly practiced in America. A China-Russia military  alliance could be as devastating to America as Babylon or Rome was to Israel. People worry about the shaking. There are other things to be concerned about.