Philippines unveils new coast guard command in disputed South China Sea
The Hindu
Philippines establishes a new coast guard command on Thitu Island to enhance security in the disputed South China Sea.
The Philippine Coast Guard unveiled on Thursday (April 9, 2026) its first dedicated command centre in the Spratly island chain, a flashpoint in the disputed South China Sea that has been the site of repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels.
The headquarters of a newly established coast guard district, formerly overseen from neighbouring Palawan, will cover an area of about 68,000 square kilometres (26,000 square miles).
An AFP journalist traveling to the new command centre on Pagasa Island, known as Thitu in the Philippines, saw multiple Chinese Coast Guard vessels patrolling nearby waters. The vessels issued radio warnings to the plane carrying the journalist.
Beijing claims the South China Sea in nearly its entirety, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.
Pagasa will now have a commodore-level commander on site, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan told reporters after a Thursday (April 9) "activation" ceremony, along with a permanently stationed ship, more response vessels and an unspecified number of specialists.
"The establishment of the coast guard district here will also enhance the psyche, the mindset of each and every coast guard member, that... the defence of Kalayaan island group is a top priority," Mr. Gavan said, using the Filipino name for the Spratlys.
Solve The Hindu Sunday Crossword No. 51 with intriguing clues across and down for puzzle enthusiasts.
Congress criticizes the Modi government for withdrawing India's bid to host COP33, questioning its commitment to climate goals.
Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre proposes sterilisation of select wildlife species, advocating for public debate on this controversial measure.
Philippines establishes a new coast guard command on Thitu Island to enhance security in the disputed South China Sea.
Shorts News:Visited Maa Kamakhya, prayed for development of Assam’s people: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Voting is underway in Karnataka's bypolls for Bagalkot and Davanagere South, following the deaths of senior Congress MLAs.
Telangana Health Minister says the State supports 1.14 lakh HIV patients with free care through extensive testing and ART centres
Morning yoga enhances sleep quality and well-being more than evening sessions, according to a randomised controlled trial conducted by researchers of NIMHANS-Bengaluru, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (SVYASA), and Central University of Rajasthan.
Filmmaker and photographer Rohit Varma on Some Like it Wild, a podcast focusing on stories of India’s wildlife champions
Delhi L-G emphasizes urgent rejuvenation of Yamuna and pollution control as top priorities during ghat inspections with the Chief Minister.
Former Maoist leader Devuji returns to his native Telangana after 44 years underground, receiving a warm hometown welcome.
IISER Tirupati will hold the Indian Symposium on Advancements in Chemical Science from May 9 to 10. Registration is open until April 20 .
Belagavi traders request permission for retail petrol sales in cans to support power generation amid frequent outages.