Today’s News 26 July 2021 (Monday)

A. NAVY NEWS/COVID NEWS/PHOTOS Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

B. NATIONAL HEADLINES Title Writer Newspaper Page 1 ‘Bold moves needed vs Delta’ L Desiderio P Star 1 2 Duterte’s final Sona: A legacy of change’ J Aning PDI A1

C. NATIONAL SECURITY Title Writer Newspaper Page Foreign policy under Duterte: ‘The Chinese D Manhit P Star 4 3 Dream’ and the Dire consequences of an appeasement policy PDI A2 4 More malasakit centers, ‘SIN ‘tax hike among fulfilled SONA goals

D. INDO-PACIFIC Title Writer Newspaper Page NIL NIL NIL NIL

E. AFP RELATED Title Writer Newspaper Page Southern Tagalog Army unit a has a new E Amoroso P Star 13 5 commander

F. CPP-NPA-NDF-LCM Title Writer Newspaper Page

G. MNLF/MILF/BIFF/ASG Title Writer Newspaper Page 6 16 Abu Sayaf surrender R Pareño P Star 13

H. EDITORIAL-OPINION-COMMENTARY-SPECIAL Title Writer Newspaper Page 7 ‘Let the people be the judge’ Malaya B8 8 Outer space and the vice race C Aranda M Times A6 9 Crossing over A Cardona D Tribune A5

I. ONLINE NEWS Title Link NATIONAL NEWS Thousands of Filipinos forced to flee https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast- 10 homes as monsoon rains lash the asia/article/3142464/thousands-flee-homes- Philippines monsoon-rains-lash-philippines Typhoon leads to loss of lives, https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/typh 11 livelihoods oon-leads-to-loss-of-lives-livelihoods/ 12 Gov't all set for Duterte's final SONA https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148226 Phone signals jammed, traffic and rallies https://manilastandard.net/news/top- 13 rerouted for SONA stories/360709/phone-signals-jammed-traffic- and-rallies-rerouted-for-sona.html DOF: 2022 budget has P45B in vaccine https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/dof- 14 funds 2022-budget-has-p45b-in-vaccine-funds/ DPWH: 13 roads in NCR, other parts of https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/25/dpwh-6-roads- 15 Luzon closed to traffic due to monsoon in-luzon-closed-4-with-limited-access-due-to- rains monsoon-rains/ Palace: Pinoys can expect better https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/07/26 16 Christmas, future /2115189/palace-pinoys-can-expect-better- christmas-future NAVY NEWS DENR asks Manila Bay LGUs to regulate https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/denr 17 fish pens, cages -asks-manila-bay-lgus-to-regulate-fish-pens- cages/ Palawan council tasked to ensure West https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/25/palawan- 18 PH Sea, environment protection council-tasked-to-ensure-west-ph-sea- environment-protection/ 18 passengers rescued from boat in Sulu https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/25/21/18- 19 passengers-rescued-from-boat-in-sulu AFP RELATED Duterte gets 90% for protecting peace, https://manilastandard.net/spotlight/president- security Lorenzana rodrigo-roa-duterte-the-last-state-of-the-nation- 20 — address-special-issue/360677/duterte-gets-90- for-protecting-peace-security-lorenzana.html Duterte inspires groups to continue fight https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148221 21 vs. Reds AFP units end 1-month mourning for https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/afp- 22 PNoy units-end-1-month-mourning-for-pnoy/ 16 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/07/26/21 23 15146/16-abu-sayyaf-bandits-surrender Southern Tagalog Army unit has new https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/07/26/21 24 commander 15143/southern-tagalog-army-unit-has-new- commander ASG anti-tank rifle recovered https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/26/as 25 g-anti-tank-rifle-recovered/ INDO-PACIFIC NEWS Locsin discusses UK's 'Indo-Pacific tilt' https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/26/locsin-to-visit- 26 with British Foreign Secretary Saab over uk-this-month-on-invitation-of-british-govt/ phone in lieu of London visit South China Sea: Pushback after https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/south-china- 27 invasive move sea-philippines-is-changing-strategy-with- china/VTGK53ORUDPEDEXYMB6UJLRAXQ/ South China Sea: calls to honour Hague https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/ 28 ruling 5 years on, but Beijing digs in article/3142456/south-china-sea-calls-honour- hague-ruling-5-years-beijing-digs Ex-foreign ministers to Beijing: Heed intl https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/ex- 29 laws to avert conflict foreign-ministers-to-beijing-heed-intl-laws-to- avert-conflict/ Macron in French Polynesia to discuss https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/arti 30 Indo-Pacific strategy cle/3142436/macron-french-polynesia-discuss- indo-pacific-strategy-legacy Macron to discuss legacy of nuclear https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2021/07/ 31 tests in French Polynesia 25/macron-to-discuss-legacy-of-nuclear-tests- in-french-polynesia-.html Macron promises ties with Japan to https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/macron- 32 oppose Chinese in Pacific promises-closer-ties-with-japan-to-oppose- chinese-expansion-in-the-pacific-tq99hl7l9 Biden administration: India and Pakistan https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/de should settle issues between fence/india-and-pakistan-should-settle-issues- 33 themselves, US won't mediate between-themselves-says-biden- administration/articleshow/84722091.cms US Deputy Secretary of State to meet https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/2021 34 Wang Yi 0725_03/ Beijing slams US before top diplomat’s https://www.hindustantimes.com/world- 35 key visit news/beijing-slams-us-before-top-diplomat-s- key-visit-101627249195968.html China promises US a ‘tutorial’ in treating https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/ 36 countries equally article/3142438/china-promises-us-tutorial- how-treat-other-countries-equally Free speech or secession? "Liberate https://www.reuters.com/world/asia- 37 Hong Kong" at heart of landmark case pacific/free-speech-or-secession-liberate- hong-kong-heart-landmark-case-2021-07-25/ Olympics: Tokyo braces as storm snarls https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/ 38 schedules after withering heat olympics-tokyo-braces-as-storm-snarls- schedules-after-withering-15292420 Taiwan: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archi 39 War could ‘lead to US recognition’ ves/2021/07/26/2003761478 From US$84,000 to US$100: Malaysia a https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 40 step closer to eliminating hepatitis C with malaysia-health-hepatitis-c-elimination- new, affordable drug ravidasvir-sofosbuvir-15275258 Dead turtles and waves of plastic show https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/24/asia/sri- 41 Sri Lankan ship disaster's deep lanka-ship-disaster-aftermath-intl-dst- ramifications hnk/index.html Australia once reveled in being the 'lucky https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/24/australia/au 42 country' on Covid-19. Now weary stralia-lockdown-covid-lucky-country-intl- Aussies 'feel like prisoners' cmd/index.html Did China Mobile rumours lead Australia https://www.scmp.com/week- 43 to make a wrong call over Digicel? asia/politics/article/3142414/did-china-mobile- rumours-lead-australia-make-wrong-call-over Russia PM to visit northern island https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International- 44 claimed by Japan relations/Russia-PM-to-visit-northern-island- claimed-by-Japan UK looks to remove China's CGN from https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/UK-looks-to- 45 nuclear power projects remove-China-s-CGN-from-nuclear-power- projects DEFENSE NEWS UK warship enters South China Sea https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-warship- 46 despite Chinese warnings enters-south-china-sea-despite-chinese- warnings/ U.K. Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth Now https://news.usni.org/2021/07/25/u-k-carrier- 47 on the Edge of the South China Sea hms-queen-elizabeth-now-on-the-edge-of-the- south-china-sea Austin Emphasizes U.S. Ties With Indo- http://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/ 48 Pacific Allies, Partners Article/2706500/austin-emphasizes-us-ties- with-indo-pacific-allies-partners/ Austin Administers Speedy Swearing-In http://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/ for DOD's New Indo-Pacific Policy Guru Article/2706587/austin-administers-speedy- 49 swearing-in-for-dods-new-indo-pacific-policy- guru/ Austin Says Alaska Is Strategic Hotspot http://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/ for Indo-Pacific, Arctic Operations Article/2706558/austin-says-alaska-is- 50 strategic-hotspot-for-indo-pacific-arctic- operations/ USMC Force Design 2030: US Marines https://asiapost.live/us-marines-and-the-indo- 51 and the Indo-Pacific pacific-the-diplomat/ China Ramps Up 16 Airbases With https://asiapost.live/exclusive-with-focus-on- 52 Focus On Ladakh, Uttarakhand And ladakh-uttarakhand-and-himachal-china- Himachal ramps-up-16-airbases/ Man-portable HJ-12 anti-tank missile https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229 53 makes PLA debut in Tibet 590.shtml China, Pakistan to take joint actions to https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229 54 tackle terrorist spillover from Afghanistan 542.shtml China and Pakistan to upgrade security https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/ 55 after fatal bus blast ‘test’ of ties article/3142471/china-and-pakistan-upgrade- security-after-fatal-bus-blast-test Greater Middle East may force China to https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2021/07/25/gr 56 project military power sooner rather than eater-middle-east-may-force-china-to-project- later military-power-sooner-rather-than-later/ Royal Thai Navy confirms its plan to https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/na acquire two S26T submarines from val-news/naval-news-archive/2021/10240- China naval-news-july-2021-navy-forces-maritime- 57 defense-industry/10466-royal-thai-navy- confirms-its-plan-to-acquire-two-s26t- submarines-from-china.html Indian Navy Accepts First Romeo https://defense.info/featured- 58 Helicopters story/2021/07/indian-navy-accepts-first-romeo- helicopters/ India expected to seek new Russian https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/arti 59 stealth fighter amid ongoing border cle/3142369/india-expected-seek-new-russian- dispute with China stealth-fighter-amid-ongoing Pakistan Trying to Maintain Supply Lines https://asiapost.live/pakistan-trying-to- 60 to Terror Groups Using Drones: J&K maintain-supply-lines-to-terror-groups-using- Police Chief drones-jk-police-chief/ Dasu bus explosion: ISI chief in Beijing https://www.hindustantimes.com/world- 61 to hold talks with Chinese officials news/dasu-bus-explosion-isi-chief-in-beijing- to-hold-talks-with-chinese-officials- 101627217569277.html Vladimir Putin says Russian navy can https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/de carry out 'unpreventable strike' if needed fence/vladimir-putin-says-russian-navy-can- 62 carry-out-unpreventable-strike-if- needed/articleshow/84728503.cms -knot Shkval https://asiatimes.com/2021/07/no-match-for- 63 No match for Russia’s 200 torpedo russias-200-knot-shkval-torpedo/ Russia shows off new stealth air fighter https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/2021 64 0725_05/ New Sukhoi ‘Checkmate’ Jet May not get https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30095/Ne 65 Su-75 designation w_Sukhoi____Checkmate____Jet_May_not_g et_Su_75_designation Putin Touts Russia’s Hypersonic Nuclear https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/202 Weapons at Naval Parade 1-07-25/putin-reviews-naval-parade-touts- 66 russia-s-hypersonic-weapons?srnd=premium- asia Iranian Naval Fleet Arrives In St. https://www.eurasiareview.com/25072021- 67 Petersburg To Attend Naval Parade iranian-naval-fleet-arrives-in-st-petersburg-to- attend-naval-parade/ China scientists discover giant viruses in https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/arti 68 the deepest place on Earth cle/3142260/china-scientists-discover-giant- viruses-deepest-place-earth Innovation Offense vs. Defense https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/innovation- 69 offense-vs-defense/ COVID NEWS Govt detects 55 more Delta variant https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/govt 70 cases amid fears of spike -detects-55-more-delta-variant-cases-amid- fears-of-spike/ Delta variant causing early stage of https://manilastandard.net/news/top- 71 surge in Metro Manila—OCTA stories/360707/delta-variant-causing-early- stage-of-surge-in-metro-manila-octa.html https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/25/who 72 The virus is winning’: China’s rebuff of WHO’s new Covid probe alarms experts -china-investigation-covid-probe-500711 Some Americans could need COVID-19 https://www.reuters.com/world/us/some- 73 vaccine booster -Fauci americans-likely-need-covid-19-vaccine- booster-fauci-2021-07-25/ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/25/world/asi 74 No Longer ‘Hidden Victims,’ Children Are Dying as Virus Surges in Indonesia a/children-deaths-virus-indonesia.html Malaysia's total COVID-19 caseload https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/ 75 passes 1 million mark 1-million-covid-19-cases-malaysia-jul-25- 152923220 What you need to know about the https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare- 76 coronavirus right now pharmaceuticals/what-you-need-know-about- coronavirus-right-now-2021-03-02/ Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020- 77 Across the World coronavirus-cases-world- map/?srnd=coronavirus Covid map: Where are cases the https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105 78 highest? Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid- 79 vaccine-tracker-global- distribution/?srnd=premium-asia

J. OPINION/EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Title Link 80 Long-haul crisis https://opinion.inquirer.net/142460/long-haul- crisis 81 Peacemaking after the pandemic https://opinion.inquirer.net/142450/peacemakin g-after-the-pandemic 82 Digital readiness paradigm https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/op en-thoughts-by-orlando-oxales/360667/digital- readiness-paradigm.html 83 Britain’s risky gamble in South China Sea https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article /3142479/britains-risky-gamble-south-china- sea 84 Why the Suga–Moon Tokyo Olympics https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/07/25/why summit was cancelled -the-suga-moon-tokyo-olympics-summit-was- cancelled/ 85 Overwhelmed Indonesian hospitals with https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/com COVID-19 cases behind high doctor mentary/doctors-indonesia-deaths-covid-19- fatalities nurse-healthcare-workers-15274614 86 A shift from terrorism to China https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/ 25/opinion/columns/Afghan-War-Vietnam- War/20210725193000565.html 87 US-China relations: could a 19th-century https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article accord between Britain and France serve /3142273/us-china-relations-could-19th- as a model to avoid conflict? century-accord-between-britain-and

Thousands of Filipinos forced to flee homes as monsoon rains lash the Philippines

• Floods and landslides amid days of continuous torrential rains since last week have left four dead and some 25,000 displaced • Among the casualties were a farmer and a 15-year- old boy who were killed when they were struck by lightning, police said

Filipinos affected by the floods take shelter at a gymnasium turned into a temporary evacuation centre in Marikina city, Metro Manila. Photo: EPA

Four people are dead, five are injured and 25,000 have been displaced following heavy monsoon rains and strong winds in the Philippines , officials said on Sunday.

Floods and landslides amid days of continuous torrential rains since last week have upturned thousands of lives, the national disaster agency said.

A 39-year-old woman died on Friday in the northern city of Baguio when a tree fell and crushed a taxi she was riding in, the agency said. Two people were also injured in the accident. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3142464/thousands-flee-homes-monsoon- rains-lash-philippines?module=perpetual_scroll&pgtype=article&campaign=3142464

Typhoon leads to loss of lives, livelihoods BY JASPER Y. ARCALASANDRENE ACOSTA JULY 26, 2021 3 MINUTE READ ABOUT 885 farmers in three regions lost 228 metric tons (MT) of produce worth P12.38 million due to the damage caused by Typhoon Fabian to the agriculture sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

In its latest damage assessment report, the DA said Fabian affected 906 hectares of farms in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Western Visayas“Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops and livestock. These values are still subject to validation,” it said.

The DA said bulk or about 94.8 percent of the reported losses were recorded in the rice industry, amounting to P11.7 million. The DA added that Fabian affected 893 hectares of rice farms with an estimated volume loss of 212 MT.

The typhoon’s damage to the corn sector was estimated at P175,500 with a volume loss of 13.5 MT while losses in the high value crops sector reached P222,300 with 9 hectares of farm affected, according to the DA.

The DA said the typhoon also affected 16 heads of swines worth P244,800.

THE DA said a total of 104,471 bags of rice seeds, 11,390 bags of corn seeds and 1,949 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds will be distributed to affected farmers. The DA added that it has an available quick response fund for the rehabilitation for the affected areas.

Furthermore, the DA said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. has sufficient funds to indemnify affected farmers while interested farmers and fishermen could avail of the survival and recovery loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/typhoon-leads-to-loss-of-lives-livelihoods/

Gov't all set for Duterte's final SONA

By Azer Parrocha July 25, 2021, 5:25 pm

SONA. President Rodrigo Roa Dutete delivers his penultimate State of the Nation Adress (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City last year. Duterte is set to give his sixth and final SONA on Monday (July 26, 2021). (Presidential photo)

MANILA – Health and safety protocols are all set for the holding of President Rodrigo Duterte's sixth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said strict protocols will be observed to ensure that it will not endanger the health of guests at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Nag prepare na po, nag meeting angPSG [Presidential Security Group], Presidential Management Staff, pati ang Kongreso para sa arrangements. Very strict po. Lahat ng protocols na kinakailangan to protect the safety ng lahat na naandun para hindi magkahawaan ay naka set in place naman po (The PSG, Presidential Management Staff, and Congress have prepared and held meetings for arrangements. It’s very strict. All protocols to protect the safety of everyone to ensure there is no transmission is set in place),” he said in an interview over dzBB.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar earlier said a maximum of 400 guests are expected to attend the final SONA.

Guests must present their proof of vaccination, must be negative for Covid-19 via a reverse transcription polymerase-chain-reaction test two days before the event, and undergo rapid antigen test at the Batasang Pambansa on SONA day.

Video teleconferencing and live streaming will be done to accommodate media and guests who will not be physically present at the plenary hall.

Duterte’s own input

Nograles said the President himself decided on specific points he wanted to highlight in his last SONA.

“Pina-practice na ni Pangulo yung speech niya. Siya na mismo nag input sa speech niya ng points na gusto niya i-highlight (The President has been practicing his speech. He himself gave inputs he wanted to highlight),” he said.

He explained that besides the Duterte administration’s accomplishments, the President is also expected to convey what programs and projects he expects his successor to continue. “Expected po natin babanggitin niya dun ang lahat ng nagawa under his administration, ano ang kailangan natin gawin especially sa laban natin sa Covid-19, vaccination rollout and probably yung challenge to the next administration—kung anong kailangan ipagpatuloy na pagbabago para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan at para sa aking bansa (We expect that he will mention all accomplishments under his administration, what we need to do in the fight against Covid-19, the vaccination rollout, and probably the challenge to the next administration—the policies we need to continue for the benefit of our people and the country),” he added.

Covid-19 response

Andanar said the government has its eyes fixed on responding to the needs of the people, especially those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, in the last year of Duterte’s leadership.

“Alam naman natin na maraming nawalan ng trabaho, kaya dapat lang mag-focus ang national government diyan. (We are aware that many lost their jobs, so that’s what needs to be given attention to),” he said during an interview with DZRH on Sunday.

He also noted that the PCOO and its attached agencies are now ready for Duterte’s l ast SONA.

The production team, he said, has been deployed to efficiently man the venue at the Batasang Pambansa, while other government media will be covering from other areas.

He said they will be amplifying the accomplishments of the Duterte administrati on to the public in a more elaborate strategy so that more Filipinos will be aware of it in accordance with the directive of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“Nagmeeting po kami kasama ang ibang miyembro ng gabinete na binigyan ng direktiba ng ating Executive Secretary Medialdea na i-elaborate ang ibang mga bagay na kailangan after the State of the Nation Address (We met with other cabinet officials and we were given the directive by Executive Secretary Medialdea to elaborate things after the State of the Nation Address),” he said.

Not thought of seeking Senate seat

Andanar also clarified that he has not thought of running for a seat in the 2022 elections, instead, he is more focused on disseminating the information pertaining to the legacy policies of the Duterte administration in the last year.

“Ako ay nakatutok lamang sa aking trabaho, alam niyo naman yan. Siguro kung ako’y lumahok sa pulitika, dapat ay nung 2019 pa (I am focused on carrying out the job, as you all know. If I were to join politics then I would have done that in 2019),” he said.

Pre-SONAs were held across the country to assist the President in reporting to the people the accomplishments of his administration over the past five years as well as the scale-up plans for the remainder of his term.

The pre-SONAs were also held to inform the public on the priority and legacy projects of the Duterte administration as well as the Covid-19 response and strategies. Duterte’s penultimate SONA lasted for 100 minutes. It is longer compared to his fourth SONA which lasted for 93 minutes.

His longest SONA was his second, which lasted for 120 minutes. His first and third SONAs lasted for 90 minutes and 48 minutes, respectively. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148226

Phone signals jammed, traffic and rallies rerouted for SONA posted July 26, 2021 at 02:00 am by Rio N. Araja and Francisco Tuyay

Police will jam mobile phone signals in parts of Quezon City as a security precaution during President Rodrigo Duterte’s sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said Sunday.

“There will be specific areas where there will be no signal because we have a jammer,” Danao said in Filipino on Dobol B TV.

Anti-government protests will only be allowed until St. Peter’s Memorial Chapels on Commonwealth Avenue near Tandang Sora, to prevent a buildup of traffic and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections, Danao said.

Danao did not say where pro-Duterte rallies could be held.

He also advised motorists to take alternate routes in Quezon City because of the traffic and rerouting for the SONA.

By 6 a.m. Monday, Commonwealth Avenue northbound will be closed to private vehicles, which will be rerouted.

Danao said there would be extensive security and urged the public to stay at home if they have no important business outside to prevent the further transmission of COVID- 19.

“We have not monitored any threat ahead but we are continuously coordinating with our member-agencies. Let me reiterate my plea to everyone to think of your safety as it is also our ultimate concern. We ask you to choose to stay safe at home with your family. Otherwise, please cooperate, be vigilant and alert during the event. Let us work together to make the last SONA of our President a safe and peaceful one,” Danao said. Danao said he expected militant groups to stage mass actions despite the pandemic. “Therefore, it is necessary for the police force to intensify public safety and security operations not only to prevent the occurrence of violent incidents but also to ensure strict adherence to the health and safety protocols,” he said.

He said 9,919 Metro Manila police personnel and 5,255 composite support units will be deployed in Welcome Rotonda, UP Diliman, Tandang Sora, and Ever-Gotestco to IBP Road to ensure a peaceful SONA. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo EleazarEleazar called on groups that are planning to stage rallies to hold mass actions peacefully.

He said as the PNP personnel observe maximum tolerance, groups conducting mass protests should also police their ranks and ensure that they respect the mandate of policemen to serve and protect.

Eleazar directed police personnel to keep their tempers in check and remain professional, strictly observing maximum tolerance in dealing with groups staging mass actions. In the face of the COVID-19 Delta variant threat, Eleazar asked groups to seriously consider holding virtual activities in lieu of physical mass actions.

Eeleazar earlier suspended all permits to carry firearms outside of residence from July 21 to 28 in the National Capital Region as part of security preparations for Duterte’s final SONA.

He also directed all police district directors to strengthen anti-criminality measures and police visibility operations all over Metro Manila.

“As usual, our police will exercise maximum tolerance but at the same time, we are appealing to the militant groups to do their share and police their ranks to ensure a peaceful and orderly SONA. Of course, our police are always alert and would not hesitate to use legal force if the protesters become unruly,” Eleazar said.

Earlier, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte met with police and militant groups to discuss the need to maintain health protocols during activities surrounding the SONA. “We have an existing health crisis made more volatile by the presence of the highly infectious Delta variant in Metro Manila. It is everyone’s civic duty to adhere to minimum health standards and limited mobility,” Belmonte said.

The mayor approved the holding of the rallies provided that the names and contact details of all rally participants be submitted to the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit for contact tracing should any individual test positive, and that a plan of their health protocols be submitted for approval.

“We were assured by the rally organizers that they would closely monitor their ranks and we consented, subject to strict adherence to health protocols,” she said. Rally organizers also agreed to abide by the city’s ordinances and do away with any program along Commonwealth Avenue to avoid disrupting the flow of traffic, she said. A day before the President’s last SONA, members of a militant group on Sunday unfurled “Goodbye, Duterte” banners in Quezon City.

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/360709/phone-signals-jammed-traffic-and-rallies- rerouted-for-sona.html

DOF: 2022 budget has P45B in vaccine funds BYBERNADETTE D. NICOLAS JULY 26, 2021 FINANCE Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said the government already has P45 billion in place in next year’s budget for the purchase of additional Covid-19 vaccines.

Dominguez assured President Duterte late Saturday night that the government has the money to secure Covid-19 vaccines not only for this year but also for next year.

The finance official said that for 2021 they expect to receive a total of 65 million doses from July 1 to September and around 55 million doses by the end of the third quarter.

The government also expects the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (Covax) Facility to deliver a maximum of 49 million doses this semester to complete the 171 million doses expected to be received by the country for 2021.

“Those 171 million is more than enough to vaccinate the entire adult population of the Philippines and the money is already available for that, okay. So there is no problem with the money for this year. Now, for next year, we will just have—we just had a meeting with [Budget] Secretary [Wendel] Avisado and [Health] Secretary [Francisco] Duque yesterday [Friday], and we noted that we have in the budget for next year already 45 billion pesos for additional vaccinations,” Dominguez said at Duterte’s televised meeting with selected Cabinet officials and members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). Dominguez gave the assurance on fund availability and timely delivery of vaccines in response to the recommendation of medical experts for the government to accelerate the vaccination program to protect Filipinos from the more virulent Delta variant. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/dof-2022-budget-has-p45b-in-vaccine-funds/

(UPDATE No.1) DPWH: 13 roads in NCR, other parts of Luzon closed to traffic due to monsoon rains

Published July 25, 2021, 2:47 PM by Ellson Quismorio The heavy downpour triggered by the southwest monsoon has forced the closure of 13 road sections in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the rest of Luzon, the Department of Public Works Highways (DPWH) said Sunday, July 25.

Based on a 12 p.m. advisory, the following roads in NCR or Metro Manila have been closed to motorists due to floods: G. Araneta Avenue corner Maria Clara and Sto. Domingo Avenue corner Calamba both in Quezon City; Mel Lopez Blvd., corner Moriones Street, and corner C-2 Road in Manila; Mac Arthur Highway, Pio Valenzuela Street to Elysian Street in Valenzuela City; and Don Basilio Bautista Street (Gen Luna St. to Dampalit Bridge), C. Arellano Street (Pasez Street to Sacritia Street), and M.H. del Pilar Street, Yanga Street to San Vicente Village, Corner E. Rodriguez Street, and Buenaventura Street- Arkong Bato in the Malabon – Navotas area.

The DPWH’s Highways Bureau of Maintenance earlier reported Sunday that six road sections, including three in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) alone, have been closed to traffic.

These are the Baguio-Bontoc Road K0362+600, Busa Bridge in Sabangan, Mt. Province due to bridge damage; Abra – Kalinga Road, K0489+900 in Gacab, Malibcong, Abra due to soil and rock collapse; and Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road, K0310+150, Poblacion, Kibungan, Benguet due to rock collapse.

The Junction Layac Balanga Mariveles Port Road Zigzag Section K0160+000 in Bataan was also not passable due to collapsed solid wheelguard, while Manila Cavite Road K0015+(- 207) – K0020+000 in Cavite remained closed because of flooding.

In Occidental Mindoro, the Mindoro West Coastal Road, Pag-asa Section in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro still could not be traversed by vehicles due to washed out box culvert.

The DPWH identified at 7 a.m. Sunday four road sections that were “not passable to light vehicles” due to floods caused by the torrential rains. These are Apalit Macabebe Masantol Road, K0057+700-K0063+400 at Intermittent Sections in Pampanga; Bigaa Plaridel via Bulacan and Malolos (Panginay Section) K0030+500-K0032+000 and Manila North Road Saluysoy Section, K0019+200- K0019+500 in the Province of Bulacan; Lemery-Taal Diversion Road K0128+(1045) – K0128+(- 300) in Batangas; and the Cavite-Batangas Road K0018+(-544) – K0018+943 section in Cavite.

The agency said in its latest advisory that a total of 51 equipment and 338 maintenance personnel have been deployed to the affected areas for declogging works and clearing operations. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/25/dpwh-6-roads-in-luzon-closed-4-with-limited-access-due-to-monsoon- rains/

Palace: Pinoys can expect better Christmas, future Edith Regalado (The Philippine Star ) - July 26, 2021 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — Amid the threat posed by the Delta variant, Malacañang said yesterday that with vaccination aiming for herd immunity in the fourth quarter of the year, Filipinos can look forward to a better Christmas and achieving economic growth in 2022.

“As the government continues to strive to achieve population protection by vaccinating 70 percent of the country’s eligible population by the end of the year, Filipinos can look forward to a better Christmas and a better future for all,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said in the midyear report.

Roque said economic managers have projected that with the continued and fast-tracked implementation of the vaccine rollout and recovery measures, the country’s economy is expected to grow by six to seven percent this year, and seven to nine percent in 2022.

His remarks came on the eve of President Duterte’s final State of the Nation Address (SONA) in which the Chief Executive is expected to summarize his achievements in the last five years.

Previously, the Palace said Durerte’s speech would zero in on economic recovery, social and infrastructure programs, peace and security, and foreign policy and would enumerate the administration’s vaccination program and other remaining priorities.

While concerns have been raised about the impact of the more transmissible Delta variant, the administration remains optimistic that economic growth can still be achieved next year.

“Government programs and services that aim to raise Filipinos’ living conditions toward a more resilient Philippines are continuing amid the ongoing pandemic,” Malacañang said in its midyear report. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/07/26/2115189/palace-pinoys-can-expect-better-christmas- future

DENR asks Manila Bay LGUs to regulate fish pens, cages BYJONATHAN L. MAYUGA JULY 26, 2021 2 MINUTE READ ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu on Sunday appealed to concerned local government units (LGUs) particularly in the Manila Bay region to strictly enforce environmental laws, particularly the Philippine Water Code to prevent water pollution while helping secure the livelihood of fishing communities.

The Manila Bay region consists of four coastal provinces, namely Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, and Pampanga. Many fishing communities in coastal towns in Cavite, Bataan and Bulacan are known for raising tilapia and milkfish as well as farming mussel and oysters.

Cimatu said the proper implementation of the Philippine Water Code and local policies and ordinances is needed to protect and conserve the country’s water resources, while helping secure the livelihood of families relying on fishing.

The chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), head of Task Force Build Back Better and the interagency Manila Bay Task Force came upon fish cages and makeshift houses built on the municipal waters of Cavite, which is part of the Manila Bay, during a visit to the province on July 16.

“The municipal waters are being managed by the mayor. If there are fish cages, these should have permits. Without a permit from the mayor, these are unauthorized,” Cimatu said. “If these fish cages are regulated, it will avoid bamboo poles from being swept to the Baywalk in Manila especially during the habagat or southwest monsoon, and during the typhoon season,” he added. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/denr-asks-manila-bay-lgus-to-regulate-fish-pens-cages/

Palawan council tasked to ensure West PH Sea, environment protection

Published July 25, 2021, 12:50 PM by Roy Mabasa Addressing the security and development of the West Philippine Sea is a major concern for Palawan, which has jurisdiction over natural resources-rich islands, including some of the country’s major fishing grounds such as the Kalayaan Island Group.

This burden lies on the shoulders of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), the office created by virtue of Republic Act 7611 or the Strategic Environment Plan (SEP), to establish a system that controls, protects, and develops the country’s so-called “last biodiversity frontier”.

“On Palawan’s shoulders lie that task of showing how to strike a balance between the desired social and economic growth and the preservation of the country’s natural resources,” PCSD Executive Director Teodoro Jose Matta said in a statement over the weekend.

Two contentious national issues recently pushed the role of PCSD under the microscope, first on Kalayaan which forms part of the West Philippine Sea. Just last week retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio called on President Duterte to ban Chinese fishermen from further fishing in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in order to protect the interest of Filipino fishermen.

“PCSD is highly involved in addressing the security and development concerns on the West Philippine Sea as it believes that the matters relating to the WPS are crucial to the well-being of Palawan, as well as national security and development,” the agency said in a statement.

The second issue that the PCSD has to address is the national government’s new policy pronouncements on mining agreements. On April 14, 2021, President Duterte signed Executive Order 130 lifting the moratorium on new mining agreementsbelieving that it will usher “significant economic benefits” to the country.

“The PCSD’s position of balancing interests between economic growth and sustainable use of our natural resources is an extraordinary feat laudable in the midst of health crisis and economic frailties,” it said.

According to Matta, the PCSD has developed methods in order to achieve this “balance” and one of these is the creation of Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN), which provides a graded system of protection and development control over the terrestrial, coastal and marine components of the province.

Recently, the ECAN maps of Palawan’s municipalities of Quezon and Bataraza, known to be economically dependent on mining, were submitted for amendment.

The updated zoning classifications of the maps can potentially allow the expansion of mining activities in those areas. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/25/palawan-council-tasked-to-ensure-west-ph-sea-environment- protection/

18 passengers rescued from boat in Sulu ABS-CBN News

Posted at Jul 25 2021 09:51 PM

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippine Navy on Saturday rescued 18 people in the waters off Sulu whose boat encountered strong waves.

The boat "MB Bongarita" came from Barangay Kanaway in Parang, Sulu and was en route to Malamawi Island in Basilan when it encountered strong waves.

Naval Task Group-Sulu and 4th Marine Brigade Commander, Colonel Hernanie Songano said that he immediately dispatched a Navy vessel to respond to a report that there was a boat in distress.

All passengers were brought to the nearest hospital where they were given initial medical attention.

After proper documentation, rescued individuals were ferried back to Parang by Army Special Forces military truck. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/25/21/18-passengers-rescued-from-boat-in-sulu

Duterte gets 90% for protecting peace, security — Lorenzana posted July 26, 2021 at 12:35 am by Manila Standard

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gave President Rodrigo Duterte a 90 percent rating in terms of his administration’s accomplishments in preserving peace and security in the country.

“As far as the Department of National Defense is concerned, the President’s rating is 90 percent because he managed to acquire and procure additional equipment for our soldiers and his directive to us to totally neutralize local communist insurgency is also good,” Lorenzana said.

Guided by the President’s order to defend what rightfully belongs to the country without going to war, Lorenzana said the government has consistently asserted the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights.

“Improvements in the infrastructure in Kalayaan and Mavulis Islands are ongoing even as we intensified our patrols guarding our airspace and seas. We also intensified our deterrence activities and deployed more personnel in our borders, especially in the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu-Celebes Seas,” he said.

As of last year, Lorenzana said the country has conducted 186 air and 575 maritime patrols.

“We now have more littoral monitoring stations and detachments in strategic locations to monitor vessels transiting within Philippine waters and key sea lanes of communication,” he added.

Lorenzana also cited the benefits of the country’s defense cooperation with other countries, inside and outside the region.

“Due to our Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Indonesia and Malaysia, we quickly reduced kidnapping-for-ransom incidents and other crimes in Sulu waters,” he said. Lorenzana also cited the milestones reached by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in enhancing its capacity and capability.

These include the upgrading of systems, doctrines, and the acquisition of capital assets and equipment, such as the two newly-acquired Jose Rizal-class missile frigates, the six-newly delivered Embraer A-29B “Super Tucano” close-air support aircraft and a number of combat utility helicopters.

“Though we still have a long way to go to achieve our desired level of defense posture, we can now proudly say that the AFP is definitely stronger than it was before,” he said. https://manilastandard.net/spotlight/president-rodrigo-roa-duterte-the-last-state-of-the-nation- address-special-issue/360677/duterte-gets-90-for-protecting-peace-security-lorenzana.html

Duterte inspires groups to continue fight vs. Reds

By Lade Jean Kabagani July 25, 2021, 5:48 pm

MANILA – The government's whole-of-nation approach and concerted efforts to dismantle communist terrorist groups (CTGs) have inspired various multi-sectoral groups to also speak up against the deceptions of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its front organizations.

Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) secretary general, Jose Antonio “Ka Pep” Goitia, said communist activities have evidently declined during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The President has inspired us to take an active role in combating those who oppose our ideals, rights, and way of life," he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) over the weekend.

Goitia cited that several high-ranking officials of the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the CPP, have surrendered and are now working with the government to denounce the atrocities of CTGs.

"The communists' activities have been on the decline. Thousands of NPA cadres have surrendered their arms in order to live in peace and become responsible citizens of the Philippines. This was the result of a concerted effort to abolish the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) under the whole-of-nation approach in order to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace," he said.

LIPI is one of the multi-sectoral groups that has been staging rallies to call out the CPP-NPA-NDF for its "relentless exploitation of youth and indigenous peoples".

Goitia said the communist rebels are also manipulating marginalized sectors to overthrow the government.

Duterte's term is in its final year but Goitia said the fight to end the communist revolution in the country must continue.

He said the Filipino people deserve freedom against the tyranny, oppression, violence, killings of the innocent, and the long-standing armed insurgency brought by CTGS nationwide.

"One of the President's greatest achievements in achieving everlasting peace in the countryside was signing Executive Order (EO) 70, which institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach to achieving inclusive and sustainable peace," he said.

Goitia said the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF - ELCAC) under EO 70 has been "greatly beneficial" to achieving long-lasting peace within the NPA- infiltrated areas. "The NTF-ELCAC's Barangay Development Program is one of the government's most worthwhile initiatives. The program provided incentives and services that resulted in the communist threat being removed from more than 800 barangays," he added.

Duterte's tough response against insurgency has been crucial to defending national security, he said.

Goitia also lauded the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act that will free the country from the claws of terrorism and pave the way for improved lives of residents of conflict-afflicted communities.

During his final State of the Nation Address on Monday, Goitia said Duterte should present his final economic policies and programs for his remaining year.

"The President should speak about the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program and its implications for defending our sovereignty against internal and external threats. What military equipment we have acquired thus far, and what the next phase of the program would entail," he said.

"We also expect the President to discuss his policies going forward, but we would like him to focus on economic recovery, international relations, security, and social and political reforms," he added.

Meanwhile, Remy Rosadio, president of the League of Parents of the Philippines, said it is crucial that Duterte has responded positively to parents' call to end the illegal recruitment of minors by CTG front organizations.

"We are just lucky that we have President Rodrigo Duterte who is very supportive in our fight against deceptive recruitment and lies of CPP-NPA-NDF. Actually, we are risking our lives without security. We are doing this because we sympathize with some parents whose children were recruited by the legal front of CPP-NPA-NDF, and the children started as activists and later joined the armed struggle," Rosadio said in a separate interview.

Rosadio said they believe that Duterte will fulfill his promise to wipe out CTGs as "they have become a serious threat for the future of the youth".

Every child deserves a safe space free from the grip of communist ideologies, she said.

"Hearing his support for us makes us stronger and more determined to continue our fight against deception and lies of the legal front of CPP-NPA-NDF that are victimizing our children," she added.

Rosadio said there should be a continuity of the government's ultimate goal to end 52 long years of atrocities and violence committed by CTGs.

"We are sick and tired of the 52 years of the ruthless and unattainable war that the CPP-NPA-NDF is waging against the government and the ordinary people. Countless victims in the battlefields and innocent lives, particularly the youth, are being wasted," she said. (PNA) https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1148221

AFP units end 1-month mourning for PNoy BYRENE ACOSTA JULY 26, 2021 THE military on Saturday simultaneously culminated its month-long mourning for the late President Benigno Aquino III, whom soldiers credited for their march toward modernization.

The ceremony marking the end of the 30-day mourning for the former Commander in Chief was participated in by all units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines across the country.

Aquino, under whose term the military crafted its three-phase modernization—with the first phase implemented in the middle of his term—died of renal failure on June 24 at the age of 61.

In Mindanao, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command spokesman Lt. Col. Alaric Avelino delos Santos said that officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian members of the command took part in the ceremony at around 4:30 p.m.

A three-volley salute was simultaneously carried out to honor Aquino, who was popularly known as “Noynoy.”

“The men and women of the AFP offer the Former President and Commander-in-Chief our final snappiest salute,” Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said in a message read for him by Westmincom’s deputy commander for operations Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas.

According to delos Santos, the removal of mourning band was also performed during the ceremony. Mourning band is a black band worn on the sleeve of the military uniform as a sign of respect and mourning for a fallen ex-Commander in Chief

“As the mandated defenders of the state and the Filipino people, it shall be our distinct honor and privilege to carry on with the Former Commander-in-Chief’s aspiration of a truly peaceful and progressive Philippines,” Sobejana said.

“President Benigno Aquino III’s initiatives and advocacies to professionalize and modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall not be forgotten,” he added.

The ceremony ended with the lowering of the national flag. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/afp-units-end-1-month-mourning-for-pnoy/

16 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender Roel Pareño (The Philippine Star ) - July 26, 2021 - 12:00am ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Sixteen members of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group have surrendered to the military in Sulu, security officials said on Saturday.

The bandits were followers of seven Abu Sayyaf subleaders tagged in kidnapping activities and neutralized in previous military offensives.

The surenderees were presented to Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, chief of the Joint Task Force Sulu and the Army’s 11th Infantry Division, during a ceremony in Barangay Samak, Talipao.

Gonzales said the bandits were followers of Abu Sayyaf subleaders Hairula Asbang, Idang Susukan, Majan Sahijuan, Raden Abu, Ben Wagas, Alden Bagadi and Mujib Susukan, who were tagged in the kidnapping of foreigners at the borders of the Philippines and Malaysia.

The last to be killed among them was Sahijuan during the rescue of the four remaining Indonesian captives on an island off Tawi-Tawi in March. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/07/26/2115146/16-abu-sayyaf-bandits-surrender

Southern Tagalog Army unit has new commander Ed Amoroso (The Philippine Star ) - July 26, 2021 - 12:00am CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — The Army’s 202nd Infantry Brigade based in Southern Tagalog has a new chief.

Col. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., formerly commander of the 20th Brigade, assumed the post yesterday, replacing Brig. Gen. Alex Rillera who was designated as assistant deputy chief of staff for operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Balaoro is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991 and obtained his masters in national security administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines in Quezon City.

Balaoro vowed to do his best and emulate the legacy of his predecessors.

“This designation is both an opportunity and a challenge. Opportunity because this is the chance for me to show my capability as a leader and as a manager. Challenge, since this is the crunch time of our campaign. Kung baga sa basketball, last 2 minutes na tayo,” Balaoro said. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/07/26/2115143/southern-tagalog-army-unit-has-new- commander

ASG anti-tank rifle recovered

The weapon requires three crew members to operate — could be fired in rapid succession to guarantee destruction of the target up to about two kilometers distance.

ZAMBOANGA CITY — State forces from the Joint Task Force-Sulu (JTF-Sulu) recovered a powerful anti-tank recoilless rifle of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Talipao, Sulu after some residents in the village tipped the soldiers of the crew-served weapon left behind by the rebels after a recent encounter with soldiers in the forested areas of the village.

Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan disclosed that local resident of Bud Daho, Barangay Lumping Pigih Daho in Talipao gave information to soldiers about an “M67 90mm anti-tank recoilless rifle” that was hidden by the ASG in the forested areas of the village.

“Some residents saw the ASG members having the M67 90mm anti-tank recoilless rifle before the encounter,” Vinluan said. “It seemed that they were not able to bring it during their escape.”

Meantime, JTF-Sulu and 11th Infantry Division commander Maj Gen William N. Gonzales said that the weapon was found near the area where the rangers encountered the ASG earlier this month.

“Synergy among our Joint Intelligence Task Group, 1101st Infantry Brigade, and the residents of Barangay Lumping Pigih Daho is what made it possible,” Gonzales said.

To recall, a bandit was killed and a terrorist lair was overran by army rangers at Bud Daho, Barangay Lumping Pigih Daho on 9 July.

Reportedly, a number of Barangay Lumping Pigih Daho residents volunteered to join military forces in scouring the area that made the task less like looking a needle in the haystack.

The M67 90mm anti-tank recoilless rifle, weighs about 17 kilos when empty and more than 21 kilos if loaded with ammunition. The weapon requires three crew members to operate — could be fired in rapid succession to guarantee destruction of the target up to about two kilometers distance.

In April last year, a 90mm anti-tank recoilless rifle was also recovered after a firefight between the terror group and the army special forces in Patikul, Sulu. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/07/26/asg-anti-tank-rifle- recovered/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_a399ca158bec9f49f59d00f0ff7e38506f4b9d7e-1627340637-0- gqNtZGzNAg2jcnBszQo6

Locsin discusses UK's 'Indo-Pacific tilt' with British Foreign Secretary Raab over phone in lieu of London visit

Published July 26, 2021, 6:12 AM by Roy Mabasa Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and British Foreign Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Dominic Raab spoke over the phone to discuss the prospects of enhanced cooperation in time for the celebration of this year’s 75th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Locsin was supposed to visit London this month upon the invitation of the UK government, according to a media readout issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs over the weekend.

The phone conversation was ahead of the arrival of the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in the Philippine Sea in August for the biggest multilateral military exercise with the United States and other major allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

In their phone conversation, Locsin and Saab exchanged views on regional developments including the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt and its future relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Both foreign ministers called for greater efforts to boost partnership in areas such as trade and investment, defense, climate change and consular affairs.

According to a media readout released by the DFA, Locsin proposed to his counterpart expanded cooperation on law enforcement capacity building.

He also discussed the development of a digital yellow card for seafarers by members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and called for the UK’s overdue review and reconsideration of lifting its travel ban on the Philippines. In August, the HMS Queen Elizabeth will operate with a US Carrier Strike Group in the Philippine Sea along with the naval and air forces from Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace was quoted as saying earlier that the planned exercise is UK’s commitment to work with its partners to “defend democratic values, tackle shared threats and keep our nations safe”. https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/26/locsin-discusses-uks-indo-pacific-tilt-with-british-foreign-secretary- saab-over-phone-in-lieu-of-london-visit/

South China Sea: Philippines is changing strategy with China

25 Jul, 2021 12:53 PM7 minutes to read Manila has changed tack. It's no longer seeking to appease Beijing in the hope of a fair deal. Instead, a Philippines patrol ship has confronted a Chinese warship intruding on its territory.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) says the patrol vessel BRB Cabra was patrolling the Marie Louise Bank, a fishing ground in the northeastern Spratly Island group, when a Chinese naval survey vessel came into view.

It was just one day after the fifth anniversary of an international arbitration court ruling in favour of Manila's territorial rights to the region. But Manila waited more than a week to release news of the confrontation.

The "navy warship" was seen to be flying the Chinese national flag, had the hull number 189 "and was marked by Chinese characters," a Coast Guard spokesperson said in a statement. "The PCG vessel moved closer to see more clearly the activity of the Chinese navy warship in our waters". https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/south-china-sea-philippines-is-changing-strategy-with- china/VTGK53ORUDPEDEXYMB6UJLRAXQ/

South China Sea: calls to honour Hague ruling 5 years on, but Beijing digs in

• China has asserted itself more aggressively in the disputed waters since the tribunal ruled against it, while the US has challenged its ‘excessive claims’ • Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has faced pressure to enforce the ruling more firmly, but has largely preferred to maintain friendly ties with Beijing

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuenFive years ago, Beijing blithely dismissed an international tribunal’s landmark ruling that found its sweeping claims in the South China Seahad no legal basis.Liu Zhenmin, China’s then foreign vice-minister, said the decision handed down at The Hague

in July 2016 was “just a piece of waste paper” that China would not recognise or enforce. “You may chuck it in the bin, leave it on the shelf or put it in the archives,” he said. “It is null and void, and has no binding force.”

Although the United States said at the time the decision was “very decisive”, US security assurances to the Philippines did not explicitly state that their mutual defence treaty would cover disputed territories in the South China Sea. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3142456/south-china-sea-calls-honour-hague- ruling-5-years-beijing-digs

Ex-foreign ministers to Beijing: Heed intl laws to avert conflict BYBUSINESSMIRROR JULY 26, 2021 3 MINUTE READ GEOPOLITICAL experts from the United States, Australia, India, and Japan called for a peaceful approach and compliance with international law to avoid military confrontation amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.

“The rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea have become more than just an issue of conflicting territorial claims. The security challenges brought by China’s aggressive behavior in the region will seriously impact the future of the Philippines and other states in the Indo-Pacific,” Stratbase Albert del Rosario (ADRi) President Prof. Dindo Manhit said at the recent virtual international conference marking the fifth anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling.

The Philippines, Manhit said, “should be reminded of its commitment to the preservation of a rules-based international order, especially in conducting its affairs in the West Philippine Sea.”

Former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop for her part said that, “Like many nations, Australia has experienced good times and more difficult times in our relationship with China. We’re going through a difficult challenge at the moment. It has become more challenging since China has adopted a more assertive stance particularly in foreign policy.”

Bishop said, “It remains vital for the P5 including China to support the rules-based international order as it remains our best hope of avoiding a repeat of the tragic global wars of past eras.” “Australia, like the Philippines, is a military ally of the United States. And the US cause remains the pre-eminent military power globally. Thus, we have the responsibility to maintain capability to ensure that we can meet any treaty obligations in hope of course that no conflict breaks out between nation-states,” Bishop said. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/ex-foreign-ministers-to-beijing-heed-intl-laws-to-avert- conflict/

Macron in French Polynesia to discuss Indo- Pacific strategy, legacy of nuclear tests

• The French president will lay out his vision for the strategic territory, as China pushes for military and commercial dominance in the Pacific • Macron arrived in Tahiti after attending the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, and will also discuss Covid-19 and climate change risks

France's President Emmanuel Macron is welcomed on the tarmac upon his arrival at Faa'a international airport in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Photo: AFP French President Emmanuel Macron was greeted with flower garlands and Tahitian dancers on the tarmac as he touched down on Saturday night for his first official trip to French Polynesia.

While in the South Pacific territory, he plans to discuss its strategic role in the Indo-Pacific, the legacy of nuclear tests and the existential risk of rising seas posed by global warming.

Residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia are hoping Macron confirms compensation for radiation victims following decades of nuclear testing as France pursued atomic weapons. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3142436/macron-french-polynesia-discuss-indo- pacific-strategy-legacy

US Deputy Secretary of State to meet Wang Yi

Sunday, July 25, 4:19 The US number-two diplomat will visit China on Sunday to meet the country's Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will be the first senior diplomat from the administration of US President Joe Biden to visit China since he took office.

Sherman, now on a tour of Asia, is scheduled to make a two-day visit to the Chinese city of Tianjin from Sunday and hold talks with Wang and Xie Feng, a vice minister in charge of China-US relations.

Based on the outcome of talks she held earlier in Japan and South Korea, Sherman is expected to urge China to revise its activities in the South China Sea as well as its stance on human rights issues. She is also expected to call on China to cooperate in addressing the issues of North Korea and climate change.

China is considered to be poised to make no concessions whatsoever on issues related to its sovereignty and national security.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Friday that the United States is not in a position to preach to China or deal with it upper-handedly. He said China is determined to protect its own sovereignty, national security, and profits from its developments.

Relations between the two countries have been sour since their top diplomats clashed head-on at a meeting in the US state of Alaska in March.

Attention is now focused on whether the upcoming bilateral talks will be able to achieve a breakthrough in the impasse and pave the way for a first summit between Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210725_03/

Beijing slams US before top diplomat’s key visit

• State councillor and foreign minister Wang made the remarks at the third round of China- Pakistan foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue with counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi held in Chengdu, China’s Sichuan province on Friday. By Sutirtho Patranobis PUBLISHED ON JUL 26, 2021 03:16 AM IST China and the international community have the responsibility to teach the US a lesson on how to treat other countries equally, senior diplomat Wang Yi said, just ahead of the visit of deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman to China beginning Sunday.

State councillor and foreign minister Wang made the remarks at the third round of China- Pakistan foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue with counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi held in Chengdu, China’s Sichuan province on Friday. Wang’s comment, according to Chinese official media, was in response to US state department spokesperson Ned Price’s statement that Sherman’s discussions in China will be held from a “position of strength”.

“The US has always put pressure on others with its self-claimed strengths in a condescending manner,” Wang was quoted as saying in the state media. “But I want to tell the US side that there is never a country that is superior to others, and there shouldn’t be one.”

Much of the focus will be on Sherman’s two-day visit and talks in Tianjin, a port city some 100km from Beijing. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/beijing-slams-us-before-top-diplomat-s-key-visit- 101627249195968.html

China promises US a ‘tutorial’ in how to treat other countries equally ahead of deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman’s visit

• Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticises Washington for thinking it is ‘superior’ and says it needs to learn how to treat others equally • Sherman holds talks with US executives after arriving in China

Wang Yi is expected to meet Wendy Sherman in Tianjin on Monday. Photo: AFP China will give the United States

a “tutorial” about how to treat other nations equally if needed, the country’s foreign minister said ahead of a visit by US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman.

“The United States always wants to exert pressure on other countries by virtue of its own strength, thinking that it is superior to others,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday.

“However, I would like to tell the US side clearly that there has never been a country in this world that is superior to others, nor should there be, and China will not accept any country claiming to be superior to others. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3142438/china-promises-us-tutorial-how-treat- other-countries-equally

Olympics: Tokyo braces as storm snarls schedules after withering heat

FILE PHOTO: People enjoy the view from Shibuya sky observatory ahead of the official opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, July 21, 2021. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

25 Jul 2021 05:20PM (Updated: 25 Jul 2021 07:05PM) TOKYO: Tokyo, host of the summer Olympics, is bracing for a storm that has begun to disrupt competition schedules this week, though the surfers have taken the predicted rougher weather in their stride.

Japan's hot, wet and unstable summer weather patterns have been a persistent concern ahead of the Games, which are being held under a COVID-19 state of emergency a year after the pandemic delayed the sports extravaganza.

So far, tropical storm Nepartak does not look set to bring devastation to the nation's capital - indeed it is forecast to weaken by the time it dumps on Tokyo around Tuesday (Jul 27).

But the likely rain and wind will follow intense heat, which caused an Olympic archer to collapse and had skateboarders complaining of unbearable conditions by 9am.

Tokyo’s sweltering July heat, when high temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius combine with sauna-like humidity, prompted organisers to move the marathon event north to Hokkaido.

The storm heading toward Japan's east coast risks elevating sewage levels for water sports in Tokyo Bay - should a deluge overwhelm Tokyo's century-old storm drainage system. Dangerous levels of E.coli forced the cancellation two years ago of a para-triathlon in the waters due to host the triathlon and marathon swimming events.

Tuesday's rowing programme was disrupted, with races rescheduled for later in the week. Monday rowing events had already been moved to Sunday in anticipation of the storm.

"There will be some sports impacted by the weather," said Tokyo Games sports director Mikako Kotani. "We are in discussions with the international federations - if they propose to change the schedule in advance, we will consider that option." https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/olympics-tokyo-braces-as-storm-snarls-schedules-after- withering-15292420

War could ‘lead to US recognition’ ‘NOT IMPOSSIBLE’: Acceptance to the UN would end the nation’s troubles, but it would be impossible to achieve without US backing, Legislative Speaker You Si-kun said

• By Ko Yu-hao and Kayleigh Madjar / Staff reporter, with staff writer

The US might recognize Taiwan if war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, Legislative Speaker You Si-kun (游錫堃) said yesterday while discussing politics with former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

Speaking on Chen’s program on Smile Radio, You reminisced about his agrarian childhood, studies, the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party in 1986 and his eight years as Yilan County commissioner.

Chen’s appointment of You as premier in February 2002 marked several firsts, as he was Taiwan’s youngest premier, as well as the first from a farming background and first democratically elected county leader to hold the office.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun, left, speaks to former president Chen Shui-bian during a radio show hosted by Chen in Kaohsiung yesterday. Photo courtesy of You Si-kun’s office Asked to share his views on joining the UN and Taiwan-US relations, You said that both are very important.

Especially after the past two years under former US president Donald Trump, there is a chance that the US might recognize Taiwan in the event that Beijing pushes its boundaries too far, after which acceptance into the UN would be relatively fast, he said.

“If war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, the US might recognize Taiwan, but if there is no conflict, it [recognition] could drag out for a long time,” he added.

Taiwan has no hope of joining the UN without US support, You said.

“Acceptance to the UN would be the end of Taiwan’s troubles,” You added.

Taiwan must become a normal country if it wishes to escape its woes, but to become a normal country, the most important step is to join the UN, which would be impossible without US support, he added. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/07/26/2003761478

From US$84,000 to US$100: Malaysia a step closer to eliminating hepatitis C with new, affordable drug treatmentWorld Hepatitis more Dayaffordable is observed and accessible. on Jul 28 every year and this year’s theme is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”. Hepatitis C elimination in Malaysia may be possible after it made diagnosis and A general skyline view of Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur on Oct 25, 2020. (Photo: AFP/Mohd Rasfan) By Loh Foon Fong

25 Jul 2021 06:01AM (Updated: 26 Jul 2021 12:14PM) KUALA LUMPUR: When Nurul Huda Abd Halim discovered in 2015 that she had hepatitis C virus shortly after donating blood, she was worried about getting another cancer.

The 26-year-old kitchen helper in Kuala Lumpur had recovered from lymphoma then. She was well aware that hepatitis C virus, which is transmitted through blood, could cause liver cirrhosis, scarring and cancer if untreated.

A silent killer, it could take 20 to 30 years before symptoms appear.

The first highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drug Sofosbuvir (used in combination with another DAA) had been approved in the United States since 2013, but Ms Nurul Huda could not get the cure because Sofosbuvir was too costly for the government to bring in.

The US$84,000 (RM356,000) 12-week treatment was the price of a medium-cost apartment in Kuala Lumpur.

“There were older medicines but they were not as effective and I didn’t take them because the side effects were severe and I was afraid it might affect my studies,” said Ms Nurul Huda, who was preparing for her Malaysia Higher School Certificate (STPM) examinations then. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/malaysia-health-hepatitis-c-elimination-ravidasvir- sofosbuvir-15275258

Dead turtles and waves of plastic show Sri Lankan ship disaster's deep ramifications By Helen Regan and Chandler Thornton, CNN Updated 0045 GMT (0845 HKT) July 25, 2021

(CNN)For almost two weeks, a thick, black smudge stained the sky off Sri Lanka's western coast -- smoke from a burning container ship nine nautical miles out to sea.

The Singapore-flagged X-Press Pearl caught fire on May 20 en route to Colombo carrying 350 metric tons of oil in its tanks and at least 81 containers of "dangerous goods," including nitric acid -- a highly toxic chemical used to make fertilizers. As the Sri Lankan navy and coast guard teams fought to douse the flames, the inferno tore through the ship's cargo, releasing a cocktail of hazardous chemicals into the air and sea, prompting authorities to issue a toxic rain alert, and compounding fears of an oil spill. The fire released 80 tons of plastic pellets -- raw materials used to make plastic products -- into the ocean, blanketing beaches along Sri Lanka's western coast. The environmental impact was immediately clear. Plastic pellets became lodged in fish's gills and mouths. And dozens of rare sea turtles washed up on Sri Lanka's beaches, some with what appeared to be scorch marks on their shells. Fish, dolphins and even a whale were found dead. As of late June, about 200 carcasses had been counted. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/24/asia/sri-lanka-ship-disaster-aftermath-intl-dst-hnk/index.html

Australia once reveled in being the 'lucky country' on Covid-19. Now weary Aussies 'feel like prisoners'

By Sheena McKenzie, CNN Updated 0444 GMT (1244 HKT) July 26, 2021

London (CNN)A postcard of kangaroos lounging among gumtrees arrives in our letterbox in London, addressed to my 4-year-old daughter.

"My darling," it says. "How are you? Are you enjoying school? Do you have friends? Your brother is one year old now. I hope you can come and see me in Australia one day. I love you and think of you often -- from 'Nana in Australia.'" "Nana in Australia" is the pixelated face on my laptop, the voice cutting out on my phone.

She lives on the other side of the world, in a place where Covid-19 doesn't exist, or at least not to the degree that it has ravaged the United Kingdom with a terrifying ferocity.

For much of 2020, Australia's success in controlling the virus was the envy of the world. By March of that year, as Italian hospitals drowned in cases and the UK dithered about restrictions, Australia decisively closed its borders -- and the tactic initially paid off. A country of 25 million people, it has recorded just over 900 coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began. Its total case numbers are around 32,000 -- a figure the UK is exceeding daily. And its economy has bounced back.

But more than a year on, Australians remain shut inside their gilded cage, relying on a series of short, sharp lockdowns to quell an outbreak of the highly-contagious Delta variant. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/24/australia/australia-lockdown-covid-lucky-country-intl- cmd/index.html

Did China Mobile rumours lead Australia to make a wrong call over Digicel?

• Canberra is supporting a plan to buy the South Pacific’s top phone carrier for US$1.1 billion, amid claims that Chinese ownership could facilitate spying by Beijing • But it’s unclear if China Mobile has ever had any interest in Digicel, leading some observers to question if Australia has been used by forces with agenda of their own

China Mobile has not publicly indicated any interest in Digicel. Photo: AP

In an Australia increasingly wary of China’s influence in its backyard, claims a Chinese state-run firm was angling to purchase the South Pacific’s No. 1 phone carrier set off immediate alarm bells.

In Australian media, unnamed government sources expressed fears that

China purchase of Pacific network would give Beijing free rein to spy on Pacific neighbours such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, SolomonMobile’s Islands and Vanuatu.Digicel’s

Chinese ownership of the telecommunications infrastructure, one anonymous source warned, would effectively mean “game over” for Canberra’s efforts to counter Beijing’s growing influence in the hotly-contested region. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3142414/did-china-mobile-rumours-lead-australia- make-wrong-call-over

UK looks to remove China's CGN from nuclear power projects

Change in stance follows worsening of relations between London and Beijin g

Construction takes place at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station site, near Bridgwater, U.K., in September 2019. © Reuters July 26, 2021 06:20 JST

LONDON/EDINBURGH, U.K. (Financial Times) -- The British government is exploring ways to remove China's state-owned nuclear energy company from all future power projects in the UK, including the consortium planning to build the new 20bn pound ($27.5 billion) Sizewell nuclear power station in Suffolk, according to people close to the discussions.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/UK-looks-to-remove-China-s-CGN-from-nuclear-power-projects

U.K. Carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth Now on the Edge of the South China Sea

By: Dzirhan Mahadzir July 25, 2021 8:08 PM

•

KUALA LUMPUR The Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group is making its way into the South China Sea with some ships already there ahead of carrier HMS Queen— Elizabeth (R08). The strike group has partially disaggregated into different elements following the conclusion of Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy, held from 21 to 22 July in the Bay of Bengal.

The U.K. Carrier Strike Group CSG 21 includes Type 23 anti-submarine frigates HMS Richmond (F239) and HMS Kent(F78); Type 45 guided-missile destroyer HMS Defender Fort Victoria (A387) and RFA Tidespring (A136) ; U.S. destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68); Dutch(D36); frigate Royal HNLMSFleet Auxiliary’s Evertsen RFA(F805); and the nuclear attack boat HMS Artful (S121). U.S. Marine Corps Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 is embarked with the air group along with the Royal

AirAs of Force’s Sunday 617 morning, Squadron automatic “The Dambusters.”. identification system data show Defender docked at Muara Naval Base, Brunei, while the Tidespring, having left Singapore, is currently headed out to the South China Sea. Both ships passed Singapore on the 24th local time with Tidespring docking that day in Singapore to replenish supplies while Defender headed to Brunei.

Meanwhile Richmond conducted a PASSEX exercise on the 24th in the Andaman Sea with the Royal Thai Navy Frigate HTMS Kraburi (457). Separately Queen Elizabeth and its remaining surface escorts conducted a PASSEX Exercise on the 25th local time in the Malacca Strait with the Royal ss frigates, KD Lekiu (FFG30) and KD Jebat (FFG29), both ships having been built in the UK by Yarrow ShipbuildersMalaysian Navy’s (now two BAE Lekiu Systems cla Maritime Naval Ships). AIS data shows Fort Victoria travelling down the Malacca Straits in a distance ahead of the group comprising of Kent, The Sullivans– and Evertsen with Queen Elizabeth closely behind the three escorts. At the time of writing, the ships are at the lower end of the Malacca Strait, near the city of Malacca.

Meanwhile HMS Artful was sighted midday local time on the 25th travelling through the Singapore Strait and heading to the South China Sea https://news.usni.org/2021/07/25/u-k-carrier-hms-queen-elizabeth-now-on-the-edge-of-the-south- china-sea

Austin Emphasizes U.S. Ties With Indo-Pacific Allies, Partners J U L Y 24, 2021 | BY JIM GARAMONE , D O D N E W S

Since taking office, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has devoted precious time to ensuring the United States military does its part to maintain the web of alliances that are America's greatest strength.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced him to make some of those contacts virtual, but he personally visited Japan, South Korea, India, Israel, Germany and NATO.

He is now on his second week-long trip to the Indo-Pacific region to further cement those ties.

The secretary spoke about the importance of those contacts during a press conference at Eielson Air Force Base today, emphasizing that the value the United States gets from these ties with allies and partners is immeasurable.

"Everything that we have done in the past has been as a part of a team a coalition," Austin said.

"It's who we are, and it's how we fight." — These alliances magnify America's military capabilities, he said.

Austin spoke in a hangar on the base; in the background were three F-35 Lightning 2 fifth generation aircraft. One plane had the markings of the Royal Australian Air Force. In another corner of the hangar was an EF-18G Growler that also sported the kangaroo symbol. https://www.defense.gov/Explore/News/Article/Article/2706500/austin-emphasizes-us-ties-with-indo- pacific-allies-partners/

US Marines and the Indo-Pacific – The Diplomat July 24, 2021

Commercial https://asiapost.live/us-marines-and-the-indo-pacific-the-diplomat/

Exclusive: With Focus On Ladakh, Uttarakhand And Himachal, China Ramps Up 16 Airbases July 25, 2021

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Man-portable HJ-12 anti-tank missile makes PLA debut in Tibet By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jul 25, 2021 08:04 PM

China's domestically developed HJ-12 man-portable anti-tank missile, previously known as a made-for-export weapon, is confirmed to be in service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), after it made its debut in a recent exercise organized by the PLA Tibet Military Command.

The top-attack, fire-and-forget missile, often compared with the US' Javelin, can destroy any main battle tank in the world, and will significantly boost the PLA infantry forces' anti-tank capabilities, experts said on Sunday.

A brigade affiliated with the PLA Tibet Military Command recently conducted a series of exercises deep in the plateau region, according to a statement the command released on Thursday.

A photo attached to the statement shows that a soldier was carrying a portable anti-tank missile that can be carried by a single person during the exercise, and a report by Shanghai-based news website eastday.com on Friday identified it as the HJ-12, as the weapon made its first public appearance in PLA service.

By providing individual soldiers with the capability to independently destroy a tank more effectively than older weapons, the commissioning of the HJ-12 will significantly boost the PLA's anti-tank capabilities, observers said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229590.shtml

China and Pakistan to upgrade security after fatal bus blast ‘test’ of ties

• Beijing says its citizens must not ‘die in vain’ and security improvements must be made to thwart terrorism • Explosion of workers on Daso hydropower project thrusts Chinese investment under spotlight

and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi meet in Chengdu on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) China and Pakistan have pledged to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation and upgrade security measures to better protect Chinese workers and investment in the South Asian country in the wake of what Beijing has called the biggest ever terrorism attack

against its citizens overseas.The promises came days after a bus blast in Pakistan killed 13 people including nine Chinese nationals involved in building a hydropower dam at Dasu .

-Pakistan partnership will be stronger through this

“Chinese citizens will not die in vain and the China https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3142471test,” the two countries said in a joint statement released by China’s/china-and-pakistan-upgrade-security- foreign ministry on Sunday. after-fatal-bus-blast-test

Royal Thai Navy confirms its plan to acquire two S26T submarines from China Naval News July 2021 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry POSTED ON SATURDAY, 24 JULY 2021 21:07 According to information published by the "The Haiger" website, the Royal Thai Navy confirms its plan to acquire two more S26T submarines from China. A budget was submitted last week to the parliamentary budget committee with respect to the fiscal budget for the 2022 year. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation has unveiled the design of the S26T submarine during the edition 2017 of the Defense & Security defense exhibition that was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The acquisition of these submarines is part of the Royal Thai Navy submarine acquisition plan, first unveiled six years ago, to buy a total of three diesel-powered Chinese submarines. In January 2017 the Thai National Legislative Assembly tacitly approved the expenditure of 13.5 billion baht (US$383 million) to buy one Chinese S26T submarine, a derivative of China's Yuan Class Type 039A submarine.

Citing Naval Post website, the keel laying ceremony for the Royal Thai Navy’s first S26T submarine was held by Chinese shipbuilding group CSIC (China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation) on September 5, 2019, at Wuchang Shipbuilding’s yard in Wuhan, China.

The S26T is based on the Type 039B Yuan-class submarine operated by the Chinese Navy. It is expected to displace at around 2,600 tons, has a top speed of 18 knots, and a submerged endurance of up to 20 days. It will be armed with up to 16 torpedoes and up to 30 mines.

In November 2017, Chinese shipbuilding group China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) unveiled three new submarine designs including the S26T at the Defense & Security defense exhibition that was held in Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/10240-naval-news- july-2021-navy-forces-maritime-defense-industry/10466-royal-thai-navy-confirms-its-plan-to-acquire- two-s26t-submarines-from-china.html

Indian Navy Accepts First Romeo Helicopters

07/25/2021

By India Strategic

San Diego.

The Indian Navy accepted the first two of its MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters (MRH) from the US Navy in a ceremony at the Naval Air Station North Island San Diego on July 16.

The ceremony marked the formal transfer of the helicopters from the US Navy to the Indian Navy which were accepted by Indian Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

The ceremony also witnessed exchange of helicopter documents between Vice Admiral Kenneth Whitesell, Commander Naval Air Forces, US Navy and Vice Admiral Ravneet Singh, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy.

According to Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha (retd), former Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, Navy. With increased presence of non resident naval powers in the Indian Ocean, particularly “The MH 60R will fill a critical capability gap in the armoury of the Indian submarines, it is essential for India to have state of the art Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters.” sk Force

“Not only will they deter an adversary’s submarines but also give option to a Combat Ta Commander to prosecute surface vessels in the same mission,” he added. The MH-60R, manufactured by Lockeed Martin Corporation, is an all-weather helicopter designed to support multiple missions with state-of-the-art avionics/sensors.

Twenty-four of these helicopters are being procured under Foreign Military Sales from the US government. They are being modified with several India Unique Equipment and weapons.

Hamid Salim, Vice President, Sikorsky Maritime & Mission Systems, said: e first two MH-60R Romeo helicopters to the Indian Navy marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and partnership between the United States Navy, the Indian Navy and Sikorsky.“The We delivery are committed of th to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States Navy to support the Indian Naval Forces in the future

through capability upgrades and sustainment as the aircraft transitions to the Indian Navy.” https://defense.info/featured-story/2021/07/indian-navy-accepts-first-romeo-helicopters/

India expected to seek new Russian stealth fighter amid ongoing border dispute with China

• The fifth-generation Checkmate is likely to offer advanced stealth capability but will sell at a much lower cost than the US’ F-35 • The Indian Air Force has no fighters that can match China’s J-20

Bloomberg A prototype Sukhoi “Checkmate” stealth fighter on display in Russia last week. Photo: India will be keen to buy a newly unveiled Russian stealth fighter to help counter

forces along their disputed border , according to military analysts. China’s Earlier this week the Russian aircraft maker

Sukhoi unveiled a prototype of its new jet at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon outside Moscow. “Checkmate”

The maker highlighted its stealth abilities and relatively low cost, which is expected to be a major selling point internationally. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3142369/india-expected-seek-new-russian-stealth- fighter-amid-ongoing

Pakistan Trying to Maintain Supply Lines to Terror Groups Using Drones: J&K Police Chief July 25, 2021 in INDIA https://asiapost.live/pakistan-trying-to-maintain-supply-lines-to-terror-groups-using-drones-jk-police- chief/

Dasu bus explosion: ISI chief in Beijing to hold talks with Chinese officials

• At least 13 passengers, including nine Chinese citizens, died in the explosion in Upper Kohistan district when the bus was on its way to the Dasu hydro power project. Written by Shankhyaneel Sarkar | Edited by Avik Roy, Hindustan Times, New Delhi PUBLISHED ON JUL 25, 2021 06:25 PM IST

The director general of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lietenant General Faiz Hameed is in Beijing on Sunday to hold talks with Chinese officials days after a explosion in a bus rocked Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and claimed the lives of nine Chinese nationals. People familiar with the developments told news agency Geo News that Hameed would meet with Chinese officials. The visit holds significance as Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is also in China for a two-day visit.

At least 13 passengers, including nine Chinese citizens, died in the explosion in Upper Kohistan district when the bus was on its way to the Dasu hydro power project.

Taking cognisance of the incident, China asked Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the terrorist attack.

Following the incident, Chinese premier Li Keqiang called up Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan and asked him to use all "necessary measures" to probe into the incident and hold the culprits accountable, according to a report by news agency ANI. The company which was involved in the Dasu dam project suspended the work following the blast. https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/dasu-bus-explosion-isi-chief-in-beijing-to-hold-talks- with-chinese-officials-101627217569277.html

No match for Russia’s 200- knot Shkval torpedo

Powered by a rocket engine, the supercavitating projectile is capable of astonishing speeds and a maximum range of 7,500 yards

By DAVE MAKICHUKJULY 25, 2021 Print Russian submarines are equipped with Shkval torpedoes that are capable of traveling at an inconceivable speed for underwater equipment — up to 375 kph. Credit: Handout.

One of the most innovative underwater weapons developed by the Soviet Union was the VA-111 Shkval (“Squall”) supercavitating torpedo, a weapon that is coming back into view as US-Russia tensions ramp up in a new competitive age.

Forget the Red October, first strike Soviet submarine from the movie of the same name — this was a torpedo that could suddenly go six times faster than its predecessors.

Highly classified, Shkval was virtually unknown before the end of the Cold War and only became common knowledge in the mid-1990s, according to a report by Kyle Mizokami at The National Interest.

Powered by a rocket engine, it is capable of astonishing speeds of up to 200 knots an hour and boasts a maximum range of 7,500 yards.

In a world where physics ensured most ships and underwater weapons topped out at 50 knots, how did Russian engineers accomplish this? https://asiatimes.com/2021/07/no-match-for-russias-200-knot-shkval-torpedo/

New Sukhoi ‘Checkmate’ Jet May not get Su-75 designation

• Our Bureau • 10:02 AM, July 25, 2021 • 6089

Russian 'Checkmate' LTS Stealth Fighter with 75 number on fuselage The New Russian Light Strike Fighter (LTS- Russian acronym) ‘Checkmate’ that broke cover at MAKS 2021 many not get the Su-75 designation going by the ‘75’ number displayed on the model or prototype displayed at the unveiling. Speculation is rife in the Western media that the unconventionally named ‘Checkmate’ is actually the Su-75. However, informed sources told defenseworld.net that the ‘75’ seen on the fuselage is the aircraft-in- development designation for prototypes as seen before in Russian aircraft. “If the ‘75’ painted on the side of the new jet is its actual designation, then United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) would have called it by its real name, that is ‘Su-75.’ The ‘75’ number could be indicative that this is a prototype and not a model or mock-up said the source. For example, when the first Stealth fighter jet broke cover in Russia at MAKS 2011, it had the ‘52’ number painted on its front fuselage and ‘075’ on its tail. The aircraft was then called the PAK-FA (Perspective Fighter Aircraft of Frontline Aviation) which later became the T-50. Subsequent prototypes of the T-50 displayed numbers such as 53, 54 and 55 indicating prototypes in numerical order It was designated as Su-57 much later, in 2017. https://www.defenseworld.net/news/30095/New_Sukhoi____Checkmate____Jet_May_not_get_Su_75 _designation#.YP9FregzbIU

Iranian Naval Fleet Arrives In St. Petersburg To Attend Naval Parade July 25, 2021 Tasnim News Agency 0 Comments

By Tasnim News Agency An Iranian flotilla, including Sahand destroyer and Makran forward base ship, has arrived in Russia to participate in the naval parade on the occasion of Russian Navy Day, Iran’s envoy in Moscow said,

On the invitation of the Russian Minister of Defense, Iran Army Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi will also take part in the naval parade on the celebration of Russian Navy Day in St. Petersburg, according to the Iranian ambassador Kazem Jalali.

Khanzadi will meet with high-ranking leaders of the Russian armed services and defense ministry on the sidelines of the ceremony, Jalali added.

The Russian fleet’s 325th anniversary will be commemorated with a naval parade on the Neva River in St. Petersburg Sunday. The transit of 54 boats, including frigates from Iran, India, and Pakistan, is scheduled, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

On Friday, Jalali met with the Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin in order to discuss military and defense cooperation between the two countries.

This conference focused on the Iranian navy fleet’s participation in the Russian Navy’s parade in St. Petersburg, the prospects for defense and military cooperation between the two nations, and regional developments.

This meeting focused on the Iranian navy fleet’s participation in the Russian Navy’s parade in St. Petersburg, the prospects of defense and military cooperation between the two nations, and regional developments.

Click here to have Eurasia Review's newsletter delivered via RSS, as an email newsletter, via mobile or on your personal news page.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/25072021-iranian-naval-fleet-arrives-in-st-petersburg-to-attend-naval- parade/

China scientists discover giant viruses in the deepest place on Earth

• Extreme conditions at the depths of the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific Ocean support the little-known mimivirus, researchers say • Some mimiviruses are large enough to be seen with the naked eye but are not believed to be harmful to humans

An electron micrograph of a mimivirus. Photo: Handout

The first known batch of viruses retrieved from the deepest point in the

Mariana Trench includes giant species bigger than some bacterium, according to a research team in Shanghai.

The many legends of giant sea creatures have been largely debunked because of the challenges to large, complex life forms at the greatest ocean depths.

But the researchers discovered several giant viral species, including mimiviruses which typically use amoeba as their hosts in sediments taken from a seabed nearly 11,000 metres (36,000 feet) below sea level at Challenger Deep. – – https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3142260/china-scientists-discover-giant-viruses- deepest-place-earth

Govt detects 55 more Delta variant cases amid fears of spike BY CLAUDETH MOCON-CIRIACOANDJOVEE MARIE DE LA CRUZ JULY 26, 2021 AN additional 55 Delta variant cases were detected by the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) in the latest batch of whole genome sequencing, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Sunday, amid fears that Covid-19’s more transmissible variant is fast spreading. The new batch brings the total Delta variant cases to 119.

The DOH said 94 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant cases, 179 Beta (B.1.351) variant cases and nine of the P.3 variant cases were also detected.

Of the 55 new Delta variant cases, 37 are local cases, 17 are Returning Overseas Filipino (ROFs), and one case is currently being verified if this is a local or ROF case.

Of the 37 local cases, 14 were from Calabarzon, eight from Northern Mindanao, six had an indicated address in the National Capital Region (NCR), six from Central Luzon, two from Davao Region, and one from the Ilocos Region.

One case has died while 54 cases were tagged as recovered.

OF the additional 94 Alpha variant cases detected, 87 are local cases, one ROF, and six are currently being verified if they are local or ROF cases.

Based on the case line list, one remains active, two cases have died, and 91 cases have been tagged as recovered. This brings the total Alpha variant cases to 1,775. Of the additional 179 Beta variant cases, 168 were local cases, four were ROFs, and seven cases are currently being verified if they are local or ROF cases.

Based on the case line list, two are still active, one died, 175 have been tagged as recovered, and one outcome which is currently being verified. The total Beta variant cases are now at 2,019.

The additional nine P.3 variant cases are local cases who have been tagged as recovered. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/26/govt-detects-55-more-delta-variant-cases-amid-fears-of- spike/

Delta variant causing early stage of surge in

Metro Manila—OCTA posted July 26, 2021 at 01:40 am by Willie Casas and Francisco Tuyay

Independent researchers tracking the COVID-19 pandemic said Sunday Metro Manila is already in the early stages of a coronavirus surge most likely because of the Delta variant as the Department of Health reported 55 new cases of the more transmissible strain.

The new cases involving the virulent strain brought the total number of Delta infections to 119. Of the 55, one has died while the rest have been tagged as recovered. Seventeen involved returning overseas Filipinos, while 37 were local cases, while one is still being verified.

OCTA said on Sunday that the COVID-19 reproduction number in Metro Manila rose from 1.21 to 1.29.

COVID-19 cases further increased by 43 percent after the metropolis recorded an average of 897 new virus infections per day from July 18 to July 24, OCTA said. “This is a cause for concern but it’s not irreversible,” said Guido David of the OCTA Research Group, in an interview with ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo.

“If we don’t focus on this, this could escalate to a surge similar to what we saw in March [and] April,” David said.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Valenzuela City at 1.61 has the highest reproduction number, or the number of people infected by a virus patient. It is followed by Manila at 1.43, David said.

David said Metro Manila’s placement under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions and the prohibition of children aged 5 and above from going outdoors would help in controlling the surge. He said a curfew, border controls, and fully-vaccinated individuals may also mitigate the surge.

Some 20 percent of the capital region’s population have received two doses of COVID- 19 vaccine, he said.

“If we can beat the Delta variant, it would be a big victory for us,” he said, comparing this to an “Olympic victory.”

“The current trend in NCR over the past week follows the course from Feb. 14 to 21, when a surge was in its early stages,” OCTA Research warned.

The group also earlier advised the national government to implement stricter quarantine status when early stages of the surge was detected in Metro Manila.

They said that the surge could be driven by the more transmissible Delta variant. OCTA also said the positivity rate in Metro Manila rose to 7 percent, while hospital capacity and occupancy of intensive care units remained low or below 60 percent.

For the whole country, the reproduction number (the rate an infected person can infect others) was at 1.09, with average daily cases from 5,063 to 5,817, they said.

OCTA has identified Valenzuela, Manila, Makati, Caloocan and Las Piñas as cities with increasing cases.

“Valenzuela, Makati and Las Piñas are considered high-risk areas,” the researchers said.

For Luzon, it said that Laoag in Ilocos Norte has continued to be in a near-critical state with 1.82 infection rate, 53.64 incidence rate, and 29 percent positivity rate. New cases there rose by 38 percent from 45 to 62.

On Friday, some health workers in Ilocos Norte called for a two-week timeout from the government to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. Mariveles, Bataan in Central Luzon is also at critical risk, with 1.45 infection rate, 22.53 incidence rate and 19 percent positivity rate. New cases in the town went down from 64 to 47.

Aside from Mariveles, Bataan, OCTA indicated that Cagayan de Oro in Northern Mindanao is also at critical risk from COVID-19, after it detected several Delta variant cases.

“Cagayan de Oro is now classified as a critical-risk area due to high levels of infection, ICU utilization, and positivity rate (testing),” OCTA said.

New cases in Cagayan de Oro have more than doubled from July 18 to July 24. Fresh cases went up by 109 percent from 56 to 117.

The infection rate in Cagayan de Oro rose to 1.54, incidence rate was at 16.01, utilization rate of intensive care units was at 85 percent, and positivity rate rose to 27 percent. https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/360707/delta-variant-causing-early-stage-of-surge-in- metro-manila-octa.html

‘The virus is winning’: China’s rebuff of WHO’s new Covid probe alarms experts

The experts say a complete probe inside China is necessary to pinpoint the origins of the virus, which has had a devastating toll around the world.

Security personnel gather near the entrance of the Wuhan Institute of Virology during a visit by the World Health Organization team in Wuhan on Feb. 3. | (Ng Han Guan/AP Photo)

By PHELIM KINE, CARMEN PAUN and RYAN HEATH 07/25/2021 06:50 AM EDT

Leading U.S. infectious disease experts are warning that China's rejection of a World Health Organization plan for another Covid-19 investigation inside the country threatens to deny the world critical data needed to identify and head off future pandemics.

And experts told POLITICO that the denial of access to Wuhan, the original epicenter of the virus outbreak, deepens growing suspicion the Chinese government is attempting to cover up the possibility that the virus was intentionally engineered.

“We have had already two coronavirus pandemics come out of China and it’s more likely than not that we will have another coronavirus pandemic come out of China, so [a China-based probe] is our best chance to get our hands around how this gets out of bats and into humans,” said Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “We can’t do this without going to China. There is no way you can get to the bottom of this from 5000 miles away.”

The Chinese government has bristled at international focus on China as the possible origin location of Covid-19 and instead insisted that it “has multiple origins and broke out in multiple places.”

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the WHO, outlined a plan recently for a second nvestigation in China of the origins of SARS-COV-2. That proposed probe, a follow-up to a January 2021 WHO investigation initially blocked and subsequently hampered by Chinese authorities, included a proposal for “audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions operating in the area of the initial human cases identified in December 2019,” a veiled reference to the controversial Wuhan Institute of Virology. https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/25/who-china-investigation-covid-probe-500711

Some Americans could need COVID-19 vaccine booster -Fauci Linda So 00:00

WASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - Top infectious disease official Anthony Fauci said on Sunday that Americans who are immune compromised may end up needing COVID-19 vaccine booster shots as the United States deals with increasing cases from the Delta variant of the coronavirus. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/some-americans-likely-need-covid-19-vaccine-booster-fauci-2021- 07-25/

Mapping the Coronavirus Outbreak Across the World Updated: July 27, 2021, 6:21 AM GMT+8

Brazil 2,615 93,621 N/A N/A

U.K. 1,978 87,837 3,550.0 2.5

U.S. 1,850 104,522 1,455.7 2.8

France 1,654 89,584 N/A 6.0

Germany 1,140 46,872 827.0 8.0

Russia 1,071 42,776 1,106.3 8.1

India 321 23,950 345.3 0.5

Japan 120 6,961 134.4 13.1

Mainland China 3 67 N/A 4.3

Testing data as of July 23, 2021, 8:41 PM GMT+8 Sources: OECD for number of hospital beds (2016 for the U.S., 2017 for other countries), government agencies and the COVID Tracking Project via Our World in Data for testing data (various recent dates) (reported in the past 45 days) and the U.S. Census Bureau for population figures (2019).

The world is bracing for a new wave of Covid-19 infections, as the coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 190 million people and killed more than 4.1 million globally since late January 2020. Efforts many countries took to stamp out the pneumonia-like illness led to entire nations enforcing lockdowns, widespread halts of international travel, mass layoffs and battered financial markets. Recent attempts to revive social life and financial activities have resulted in another surge in cases and hospitalizations, though new drugs and improved care may help more people who get seriously ill survive.

01002003004005001 yrDays since 100 confirmed cases1001,00010,000100,0001,000,00010,000,00030,000,000CasesMainland ChinaSouth KoreaJapanFranceSingaporeSpainU.K.Hong KongU.S.AustraliaBrazilIndiaRussiaTaiwanNew Zealand Note: JHU CSSE reporting began on January 22, 2020, when mainland China had already surpassed 500 cases. Source: Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering 194,566,423 Confirmed cases worldwide 4,164,189 Deaths worldwide Jurisdictions with cases confirmed as of July 27, 2021, 6:21 AM GMT+8 1–99

100–999

1,000–9,999

10,000–99,999

100,000–999,999

1,000,000–9,999,999 10 million or more Where deaths have occurred Deaths Cases U.S. 610,915 34,520,513 Brazil 549,924 19,688,663 India 420,967 31,411,262 Mexico 238,424 2,748,518 Peru 195,243 2,094,445 Russia 152,069 6,071,893 U.K. 129,460 5,747,808 Italy 127,971 4,320,530 Colombia 118,868 4,727,846 France 111,812 6,056,842 Argentina 103,721 4,846,615 Germany 91,540 3,764,441 Where deaths have occurred Deaths Cases Iran 89,122 3,723,246 Indonesia 84,766 3,194,733 Spain 81,268 4,342,054 Show more Note: Totals for Denmark, France, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. include overseas territories and other dependencies. Cases and deaths for cruise ships have been separated in accordance with JHU CSSE data.

The epicenter of the pandemic has continued to shift throughout the year, from China, then Europe, then the U.S., and now to developing countries like Brazil. Cases globally surpassed 10 million in late June, but ever since infections have been multiplying faster. The U.S. and India have the most infections, accounting for more than a third of all cases combined.

Global Cases Added Per Day New cases: 432,282 Jan 21, 2020 Jul 25, 2021 India New cases: 39,361 Jan 21, 2020 Jul 25, 2021 U.K. 28,937 Iran 27,146 Russia 23,517 Brazil 18,129 U.S. 15,711 France 15,242 Germany 1,149 Mainland China 76 Note: On February 14, 2020, Hubei officials changed their diagnostic criteria, resulting in a spike in reported cases.

Countries took drastic measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 on their homefront— with varying degrees of success. More than 140 governments placed blanket bans on incoming travelers, closed schools and restricted gatherings and public events, according to data compiled by Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government and Bloomberg reporting. As countries loosen lockdowns in an effort to reboot their economies, many have seen a resurgence of infections. The number of new daily cases in the U.S. rose to record highs after some states relaxed social distancing requirements. Even places that successfully contained infections earlier in the year, like China and South Korea, have seen cases bubble back up. Theories that warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere would bring relief appear to be unfounded. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2020-coronavirus-cases-world-map/?srnd=coronavirus

Covid map: Coronavirus cases, deaths, vaccinations by country

By The Visual and Data Journalism Team BBC News

Covid-19 is continuing to spread around the world, with more than 194 million confirmed cases and more than four million deaths across nearly 200 countries.

The US, India and Brazil have seen the highest number of confirmed cases, followed by France, Russia, the UK and Turkey. Very few places have been left untouched.

In the table below, countries can be reordered by deaths, death rate and total cases. In the coloured bars on the right-hand side, countries in which cases have risen to more than 10,000 per day are those with black bars on the relevant date.

Note: The map, table and animated bar chart in this page use a different source for figures for France and the UK from that used by Johns Hopkins University. US figures do not include Puerto Rico, Guam or the US Virgin Islands.

Confirmed cases have been rising steeply since the middle of last year, but the true extent of the first outbreaks in 2020 is unclear because testing was not then widely available. The 100 millionth Covid case was recorded at the end of January - about a year after the first officially diagnosed case of the virus.

Deaths have also been rising, however official figures may not fully reflect the true number in many countries. Data on excess deaths, a measure of how many more people are dying than would be expected based on the previous few years, may give a better indication of the actual numbers in many cases.

Who has vaccinated the most? Several coronavirus vaccines have been approved for use, either by individual countries or groups of countries, such as the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO). Of the 194 countries and territories administering vaccines and publishing rollout data, 67 are high-income nations, 101 are middle-income and 26 low-income. The map below, using figures collated by Our World in Data - a collaboration between Oxford University and an educational charity - shows the total number of doses given per 100 people, mostly first doses.

This information is regularly updated but may not reflect the latest totals for each country. Total vaccinations refers to the number of doses given, not the number of people vaccinated. It is possible to have more than 100 doses per 100 population as some vaccines require two doses per person.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51235105

More Than 3.89 Billion Shots Given: Covid-19 Tracker In the U.S., 342 million doses have been administered Updated: July 27, 2021, 4:14 AM GMT+8

in history is underway. More than 3.89 billion doses have been administered across 180 countries, according to data collected by Bloomberg. The latest rate was roughly 33.9 milliondoses a day.

In the U.S., 342 million doses have been given so far. In the last week, an average of 590,639 doses per day were administered.

World Map of Vaccinations More than 3.89 billion doses have been administered—enough to fully vaccinate 25.4% of the global population

• no data01102550%of population covered Note: “Population covered” divides the doses administered for each vaccine type by the number of doses required for full vaccination. Data gathered from government agencies, public statements, Bloomberg interviews and the World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University.

Enough doses have now been administered to fully vaccinate 25.4% of the global population—but the distribution has been lopsided. Countries and regions with the highest incomes are getting vaccinated more than 30 times faster than those with the lowest.

Note: Vaccine access calculations account for the number of doses needed for full protection; some vaccines require a two-dose regimen while others require just a single dose. Countries and regions are ordered by GDP per capita (PPP).

While the best vaccines are thought to be 95% effective, it takes a coordinated campaign to stop a pandemic. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious-disease official in the U.S., has said that vaccinating 70% to 85% of the U.S. population would enable a return to normalcy.

On a global scale, that’s a daunting level of vaccination. At the current pace of 33.9 million a day, it could take another year to achieve a high level of global immunity. Manufacturing capacity, however, is steadily increasing, and new vaccines by additional manufacturers are coming to market. The Path to Immunity Around the World Globally, the latest vaccination rate is 33,877,057 doses per day, on average. At this pace, it will take another 7 months to cover 75% of the population. Note: Immunity calculations take into account the number of doses required and the current rate of administration for each vaccine type. The “daily rate estimate” is a seven-day trailing average; interpolation is used for jurisdictions with infrequent updates. *Coverage may exceed 100% in some places, as shots may be administered to non-residents. Data are from Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker.

Did we miss a place? Drop us a link

‘Pandemic of the Unvaccinated’

Israel was first to show that vaccines were bending the curve of Covid infections. The country led the world in early vaccinations, and by February more than 84% of people ages 70 and older had received two doses. Covid cases declined rapidly, and similar patterns of vaccination and recovery repeated in dozens of other countries.

This progress is under threat. The emergence of new strains, led by the highly transmissible delta variant, threatens renewed outbreaks. Around the world, new cases and hospitalizations are rising, and after 10 weeks of global declines in deaths, delta is driving a new uptick. It’s now a life-and-death contest between vaccine and virus.

The current slate of vaccines remains highly effective at preventing severe cases that lead to hospitalization and death, according to recent data from the U.S., U.K. and Israel. The vaccines are less effective at preventing mild cases of delta. The disproportionate toll that Covid is taking in under-vaccinated communities has led U.S. health officials to dub it the “pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

Vaccinations vs. Cases Covid rates have generally flattened or declined where vaccination rates are highest. Currently, 16 places have administered enough shots to cover at least 60% of the population. https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid-vaccine-tracker-global-distribution/?srnd=premium-asia

Long-haul crisis

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:06 AM July 26, 2021

Editorial cartoon, July 26, 2021

There is simply no denying the economic and social malaise the country is in right now. A rundown of the latest Ednumbers going into the last year of the Duterte administration paints a discomforting picture: The worst post-war recession that saw the economy contract by 9.5 percent in 2020 and another 4.2 percent in the first quarter this year.

A precarious 16-year high debt-to-GDP ratio of 60.4 percent as of March (international debt watchers consider as manageable a public debt equivalent to 60 percent of gross domestic product). Government debt of P11.07 trillion as of May and $97 billion in outstanding foreign borrowings as of end-March.

A staggering budget deficit of P1.37 trillion in 2020 and P566.2 billion as of the first five months of 2021, and 4.1-percent inflation last June. Add to this list the 4.14 million Filipinos or 8.7 percent of the labor force out of jobs as of April, and the 21 percent of the population living in poverty.

To be fair, the shock from the COVID-19 pandemic caused much of the present depressing economic conditions. Prior to the lockdown in March 2020, the economic picture was much healthier. In 2019, the economy grew by 5.9 percent; the debt-to-GDP ratio was at its lowest at 39.6 percent; government debt was only P7.73 trillion and foreign obligations at $83.6 billion; the budget shortfall at P660 billion; inflation at a low 1.6 percent; unemployment at just 5.1 percent; and the poverty rate had fallen to 16.6 percent.

The government can cite some economic gains, notably the much bigger infrastructure spending compared to previous administrations and the “sin” tax program has fallen way short of the original targets by this time. and corporate income tax reforms. It’s true that the ambitious “Build, build, build” Still, 11 of the 119 so-called flagship projects, worth P126.8 billion, have been completed so far and another 29, amounting to P238.5 billion, are scheduled to be finished before the end of next year, or six months after President Duterte steps down from office. An accomplishment of less than half is, of course, better than accomplishing nothing at all.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/142460/long-haul-crisis

Peacemaking after the pandemic

By: Juan Manuel Santos - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:01 AM July 26, 2021

BOGOTÁ fundamental truth about the struggle to end a violent conflict and establish a — In “Paradise Lost,” the English poet John Milton encapsulates a sustainable peace:

This“Who insight overcomes was crucial by force, to myHath own overcome understanding but half ofhis how foe.” to chart a way to end challenges today. Colombia’s long and costly civil war, and it is acutely relevant to our shared global To build peace, leaders need to foster hope and anchor policies in empathy, solidarity, and a long-term vision of the common good. This is precisely the approach we must take now to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and build a more resilient world that can better withstand future shocks and of COVID-19 has reminded us all how crises.Humanity’s collective experience is inextricably connected with that of our brothers, sisters, and neighbors, as well precious, fragile, and intertwined life can be. Each person’s existence on this planet as with our forebears and unborn generations. As we begin to map a post- pandemic recovery, recognizing our shared destiny makes it critical that we draw inspiration from the legacy of previous successful leaders.

In this regard, there is no better model than Nelson Mandela, a man of infinite courage and determination who defied a particularly evil system of racial oppression and became the greatest peacemaker of his generation. Mandela endured nearly three decades of imprisonment, led his people to freedom, and built a resilient, multiracial democracy in South Africa that endures to this day.Mandela’s abiding humility and his iron faith in democracy helped lay the foundations of modern South Africa. These qualities also resonated globally, because context of the wider international fight against colonialism, racism, and Mandela always placed the African National Congress’s liberation struggle in the discrimination.

This affirmation of our common humanity lay a found The Elders, the group of independent global leaders of which I am a t the heart of Mandela’s decision to age where member. In his speech at the organization’s launch in Johannesburg in July 2007, there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where Mandela charged the group with a specific mandate: “Support cour

Todaythere is more despair.” than ever, we must recommit to this approach in the face of the pandemic, as well as even greater existential threats such as climate change and nuclear weapons. We urgently need an explicit recognition by global leaders that solidarity matters, and that they must act decisively to defend and rejuvenate multilateralism.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/142450/peacemaking-after-the-pandemic

Digital readiness paradigm posted July 26, 2021 at 12:20 am by Orlando Oxales "The technology is there but we must have the openness to learn."

When we hear the word “digital,” we instinctively imagine the realm of hi-tech gadgetry, smart phones, high-speed internet, the cloud, apps, databases, and all the online content we habitually log on to for work and entertainment. For consumers living in a pandemic, these technologies are just indispensable. Still, many end-users have little understanding of the complexity and the enormous investments needed to build and sustain a network of digital infrastructures to support this convergence of services we access through our phones, tablets, and computers.

According to the 2021 We Are Social report of Hootsuite, out of our population of about 110 million, 67 percent or more than 73 million are internet users. The report also counts 152.4 million mobile accounts (138.2 percent of population) which means more than 38 percent have more than one subscription. 89 million or 80.7 percent are active social media users. By these impressive figures, one might say that we should have no problem shifting to a digital economy since most of us are already comfortable going online. Well, not quite.

Being the world’s heaviest user of the internet—with Filipinos said to be logged on an average of 10 hours through their mobile apps and social media platforms—does not translate to our digital readiness to compete globally as a digital economy. Digital readiness actually involves an end-to-end spectrum of transformation through knowledge, skills, policy, investment, and deployment of the right technologies. The World Bank Digital Economy 2020 report introduced the CHIP (Connect, Harness, Innovate, and Protect) framework which the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has adopted to restructure its programs towards accelerating digital transformation and boost the country’s digital economy.

According to the DICT’s recent statement, the ‘Connect’ component “is focused on building digital infrastructure by first establishing a connection to the world through International Cable Landing Stations. The Department shall then cascade broadband Internet access throughout the country through the building of the National Fiber Backbone, which is further connected to middle- and last-mile connections.”

Three major programs being implemented are: The National Government Data Center aimed to address latency by hosting government and education content, The Free Wi-Fi for All to increase public access to secure internet in all public areas and geographically isolated areas, and the National Broadband Plan “which aims to accelerate the deployment of fiber optic cables and wireless technology through private sector and Local Government Unit partnerships.”

Some LGUs are already engaging the private telcos such as Mandaluyong City’s Free Wi-fi initiative in partnership with Globe Telecom which deployed AMBER facilities to boost their daily information and communication campaign and support coordination of their MandaVax vaccination program. When the lockdowns started last year, GoWifi hotspots were also installed at the National Center for Mental Health, Puregold Price Club-Shaw, and at the Mandaluyong Public Markets 1 & 2. These practical and easily executable collaborations should be encouraged.

The ‘Harness’ component is about developing the ICT skills of Filipinos where the DICT will invest in digital education to ensure the readiness of the country’s workforce which is critical in the country’s global competitiveness. Considering the problems of the education sector made worse by this crisis, I believe this part may prove to be the most challenging.

The ‘Innovate’ component “focuses on the continuous digitalization and integration of government and business services online pursuant to the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018” where LGUs and government agencies must streamline their bureaucratic processes and business operations using the appropriate cloud- based solutions. Ongoing programs are the Central Business Portal which allows business registrants to apply for the necessary permits and licenses from the national government agencies online, and the Electronic Business Permits and Licensing System which streamlines the processing of various permits and licenses in all cities and municipalities. https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/open-thoughts-by-orlando-oxales/360667/digital- readiness-paradigm.html

Britain’s risky gamble in South China Sea

• By sending an aircraft carrier strike group through disputed waters, London is inviting confrontation, whether by accident or design

People line the shore to watch as tug boats manoeuvre the 65,000-tonne British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth into Portsmouth Harbour in 2017. Photo: AFP

Disputed waters are no place for nations to show off their military might. But that is what Britain will be doing in September when it sends an aircraft carrier strike group through the South China Sea on its way to Japan with the objective of permanently deploying two warships in the region. Accompanied by vessels from the United States and the Netherlands, it is guaranteed to get a frosty welcome from Beijing, which repeatedly calls for peace and stability as Washington and its allies increasingly ply the n, whether by accident or design. seas in the name of “freedom of navigation”. It is a dangerous strategy that risks confrontatio

Tokyo. The two nations are deepening security under a pact perceived as mutually beneficial; British PrimeBritain’s Minister defence Boris secretary recently made the announcement after meeting-Brexit, his while Japanese Japan counterpart is increasingly in as its biggest rival andJohnson competitor. is pushing Warships a “global from Britain”fellow allied vision nations post Australia, France and Germany haveconcerned already about also China’s sailed through growing the military South strength. China Sea Bo thisth areyear. allies of Washington, which views Beijing https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3142479/britains-risky-gamble-south-china-sea

Why the Suga–Moon Tokyo Olympics summit was cancelled 25 July 2021

Author: Kazuhiko Togo, University of Shizuoka

The relationship between Japan and South Korea since the end of the Second World War has certainly been complex. Psychological adjustments after 36 years of Japanese colonial rule were high hurdles to overcome for both countries. Yet, Japan and South Korea gradually grew close.

A few major events brought the two countries together: the decision by the Sato and Park administrations to normalise relations in 1965; the regaining of trust led by prime minister Yasuhiro Nakasone and President Chun Doo- hwan in the 1980s; the 1993 Kono Statement and the Asian Women’s Fund that followed. Also important were the Joint Declaration in 1998 signed by prime minister Keizo Obuchi and president Kim Dae-jung, the ‘Korean wave’ of popular culture in Japan in 2003–04 and the 2015 comfort women agreementreached by prime minister Shinzo Abe and president Park Geun- hye.

But from 2018, the relationship began to deteriorate. From the Japanese perspective, the optimistic picture of a relationship gradually improving was being dashed by South Korea. Now that South Korea had developed into a strong and well respected country, it appeared that South Koreans began to endorse a position of ‘never forgive Japan’ and all post-war efforts at reconciliation on the Japanese side stalled.

The first blow was the dismantling of the Reconciliation and Healing Foundation, which was created as part of the 2015 Abe–Park agreement and funded by Japan at the cost of 1 billion yen (US$9.1 million).

The second blow was the South Korean Supreme Court’s verdict on conscripted workers. The court’s 2018 verdict concluded that the 1965 agreements, which form the foundation Japan–South Korea post-war relations, did not resolve all injustices committed during the colonial era (from 1910 to 1945). Japan does not support this interpretation and nor did the South Korean government until recently. The verdict was perhaps unsurprising in South Korea. The collapse of the 1965 agreements has been long predicted. But South Korea failed to recognise how severely the verdict would damage relations with Japan. Not only among Japan’s ultra-right but also deep within the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, anger grew.

But international and domestic situations can change. When US President Joe Biden was inaugurated in January 2021, he immediately made it clear that, unlike Donald Trump, he would align with countries that shared common values.

In response to the Biden administration’s exhortations, Moon immediately took a flexible approach on ties with Japan. In January 2021, he publicly recognised the 2015 comfort woman agreement and stated that the legal implementation of the 2018 Supreme Court verdict was not in South Korea’s national interest. In April 2021, a Seoul district court rejected a comfort women’s group suing the Japanese government on the grounds of state immunity. In June 2021, a Seoul district court again rejected a new case of conscripted workers suing Japanese companies, despite the Supreme Court’s extant verdict. https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/07/25/why-the-suga-moon-tokyo-olympics-summit-was- cancelled/

Commentary: Overwhelmed Indonesian hospitals with COVID-19 cases behind high doctor fatalities Turbocharged by Idul Fitri travel, the Delta variant has cost Indonesia precious healthcare

resources,A doctor especially grieves after in smaller her husband, towns a doctor and communit and chair ofies, the says West A’an Papuan Suryana. doctors' association in Indonesia, died of COVID-19 in Makassar, South Sulawesi. (Photo: IKATAN DOKTER INDONESIA/via REUTERS)

By A'an Suryana 25 Jul 2021 06:01AM (Updated: 25 Jul 2021 06:10AM) SINGAPORE -19 is the extraordinary rise of fatalities among Indonesian doctors. : The latest tragedy in Indonesia’s fight against COVID The culprit has been identified as the more contagious coronavirus Delta variant, which ealth system.

Attriggered least 545 a chain doctors reaction have diedin Indonesia’s from the coronavirus h since it was detected for the first time in the country in early March last year.

This high rate of fatality sharply reduces hospital performance, not only in treating coronavirus patients but also in tending to many others in dire need of hospital care.

The month of July has been a particularly deadly month for Indonesian doctors. At least 108 doctors died due to the coronavirus between early and the mid of July, and the number is expected to rise. of such fatalities was just 65 in the whole month of January. This is a sharp increase compared to Indonesia’s previous infection in January. The number https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/doctors-indonesia-deaths-covid-19-nurse- healthcare-workers-15274614

A shift from terrorism to China

Nam Jeong-ho The author is a columnist of the JoongAng Ilbo.

The U.S. War in Afghanistan — the longest war in U.S. history — will come to an end next month after two decades of America dragging its feet in the rugged hills of the outlandish country since the September 11 attacks in 2001. U.S. President Joe Biden ordered a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan on August 31. Some scholars of international politics claimed that the United States had achieved the goal of the Afghan War by killing Osama bin Laden — the founder of the militant Islamist organization al-Qaeda and the mastermind of 9/11 Attacks — on May 2, 2011 in Pakistan. But others translate the pullout of the U.S. forces into a de facto U.S defeat as it “failed to wipe out the Taliban,” the militant extremist group in Afghanistan.

The Afghan War is often compared to the Vietnam War. What similarities and differences do the two wars have? With the chapter on the extended war on terror to be closed soon, I looked into the lead-up to the pullout and ramifications of the war’s end on the security of the Korean Peninsula.

The war on terror

After the collapse of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, George W. Bush’s administration was engrossed in ferreting out the culprit. After a long investigation, the U.S. government found that the terrorist attack had been carried out by al-Qaeda and that its members were hiding in Afghanistan. Washington demanded the Taliban regime extradite the culprits to the U.S. But the Taliban refused and the U.S. launched the Afghan War to bring them to justice.

At that time, the United States used the strategy of attacking the Taliban regime through anti-Taliban Northern Alliance. The U.S. therefore dispatched only a small number of special forces to Afghanistan, while backing the Northern Alliance with massive air bombings. Washington did not want mass casualties from Afghanistan as in Vietnam.

In the initial stages of the war, America won an overwhelming victory thanks to the competitive edge of its military power. With huge support from the U.S., the Northern Alliance captured Kabul, capital city of Afghanistan, just a month after the 9/11 attacks and took Kandahar, a stronghold of the Taliban, two months later. In the lead-up to the capture of the two major cities, only 16 U.S. soldiers were killed whereas about 10,000 Taliban soldiers were dead. That explicitly shows the remarkable imbalance of the war from the start.

The Taliban, who fled to Pakistan under attack from U.S. forces and the Northern Alliance, rekindled its crusade against the U.S. from 2003. On the Pentagon’s part, seizing Afghanistan was easy but stabilizing the country — and winning the people over — was not. In the meantime, allies of the Taliban sprouted up across the country after being disappointed at the incompetence of the Afghan government led by President Hamid Karzai, a U.S. puppet. The Taliban were able to resist the Karzai administration with the weapons the U.S. had offered the Mujahideen, Islamic guerillas, when they fought against the Soviet forces in the 1980s.

As the Afghan War protracted, the Obama administration found and killed Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011 after a decade-long international manhunt. The U.S. found the justification for ending the war. Afterwards, the U.S. was actively engaged in peace negotiations with the Taliban. But the problem was the possibility of the Taliban taking control of Afghanistan if the U.S. troops pull out, as happened in Vietnam. So, the Pentagon kept delaying the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country, but has decided to pull out after the commander in chief’s decision.

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/07/25/opinion/columns/Afghan-War-Vietnam- War/20210725193000565.html

US-China relations: could a 19th-century accord between Britain and France serve as a model to avoid conflict?

• Any US policy to either seek regime change or modify Chinese behaviour risks escalating the rivalry • Rather, a strategy of collaborative confrontation could serve as the foundation for stable US-China relations, as it did for Britain and France in the 19th century

Illustration: Craig Stephens

The continued deterioration in Sino-US relations has sparked an intensifying debate about what objectives the United States should pursue towards China. On one side are those who argue that the only way to prevent an endless conflict is for the US to favour regime change.

Others counter that such a strategy would greatly exacerbate tensions between the two nations while also weakening alliances critical to American national security. Instead, they argue, the US should centre its efforts over the next several decades on modifying Chinese behaviour to reduce the risk of conflict.

Both strategies, however, unnecessarily risk escalating the rivalry. https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3142273/us-china-relations-could-19th-century- accord-between-britain-and