Kira Ellis of the Philippines won the gold medal of the Junior Women triathlon contest of the 2024 Asia Triathlon Junior Cup held at Kampar, Malaysia.
Ellis won the sprint distance (750 M swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) Junior Women race in one hour, five minutes and thirty-two seconds (1:05:32). Her opponents Seoeun Park (South Korea) and Diana Biktimrova (Uzbekistan) followed at 2nd and 3rd place with times of 1:07:42 and 1:07:45 respectively.
Meanwhile, Ellis’ teammate Samantha Corpuz finished at 4th place clocking in 1:08:02. For the complete results of the Junior Women contest, click here.
Junior Women triathlon gold medalist Kira Ellis (center) and teammate Samantha Corpuz (3rd from left) during the awarding ceremony. (photo source – Triathlon Philippines)
According to a news release from Triathlon Philippines, Kira Ellis showed tremendous improvements after a Philippine Sports Commission-funded five-week training camp in Portugal under coach Sergio Santos. She competed in the tough European Junior Cup in Hungary last Sunday where she qualified to the finals and placed 16th among 30 competitors.
Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.
Welcome back superhero enthusiasts, 1980s arts and culture enthusiasts, Marvel Comics fans and comic book collectors! Today we go back to the year 1984 to examine a small part of the Marvel Comics universe through a tale of the Amazing Spider-Man monthly series.
In my previous retro review, additional stress in Peter Parker’s life was realized when Mary Jane revealed to him that she knows he and Spider-Man are one and the same. Some time later when things calmed down, Spider-Man went to the headquarters of the Fantastic Four eventually finding out the shocking truth about the alien costume he has been wearing since the events of Secret Wars.
With those details laid down, here is a look back at Amazing Spider-Man #259, published in 1984 by Marvel Comics with a story written by Tom DeFalco, and drawn by Ron Frenz.
The cover.
Early story
The story begins in New York City where Peter Parker and Mary Jane casually spend time walking within a large park. Knowing that Peter is already feeling uneasy about her knowing his secret identity as Spider-Man, Mary Jane reveals to him stories of her past and the domestic challenges that she, her sister and their parents went through.
Elsewhere in the city, the Hobgoblin makes his moves expressing his intention to engage with the business side of crime…
Quality
Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker spending a lot of quality time together at the park.
When it comes to developing a supporting character with sheer depth, this comic book really stands out as Spider-Man literally got pushed to the side. The main story here focuses closely on Mary Jane whose experiences with her family from the past got dramatized big time. You will see flashbacks of her youth, her closeness with her sister and mother, and tension she went through when her father became stressed and resentful. The DeFalco-Frenz duo really set up the blocks of past developments that built up Mary Jane’s personality and her portrayal here is clearly a major character turning point in Spider-Man’s corner of the Marvel Comics shared universe of the time.
As for her relationship with Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Mary Jane here is less of a romantic partner and more of a friend looking for a shoulder to cry on. While it is a fact that several comic books in the 1970s showed Mary Jane and Peter romantically linked, her portrayal in this comic book marked a major turning point of her personal development and her destiny with the webslinger. The writing by DeFalco here is very rich with drama and believability.
Conclusion
Flashbacks from Mary Jane’s past with her family.
Amazing Spider-Man #259 (1984) is still significant to read after all these decades. Mary Jane, who eventually got married to Peter Parker, has been redefined very heavily in this tale and she eventually became one of the most essential Spider-Man-related characters in the years that followed. Looking back at this old story (which happened shortly after Spider-Man separated from the alien costume), it was clear that Marvel Comics decided Mary Jane would be the definitive leading lady of Spider-Man.
With all the controversies about Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and their connections with criminal activities going on, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that POGOs are no longer allowed to operate within large spaces and compounds, according to a GMA Network news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Wednesday said that it will no longer allow the operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) within large spaces and compounds.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco made the announcement at a Senate hearing after he was asked by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian to make an assurance that there will be no POGO-linked crimes in the country.
“We’re coming out with certain guidelines. We’re already banning hubs. In the meantime that wala pa namang (there is no) order ng closure, this early I can inform everybody that we will not allow any hub existing or going to be applied for, we will not approve it anymore,” Tengco said.
According to the PAGCOR chief, POGO operations will now be “site specific” and “building specific” unlike in the POGO compounds in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga that were raided by authorities for alleged illegal activities within these establishments.
Tengco said he cannot assure that POGO will no longer commit crimes, but they will ensure that the 43 remaining licensed POGO firms will follow PAGCOR’s new guidelines and “enhancements.”
Further, Tengco said they will create teams that will monitor the POGO firms 24/7 in a bid to “deter” these criminal activities.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the PAGCOR still has a lot of explaining to do about the POGOs that remain operating in the country? Do you think PAGCOR should have prohibited POGOs from operating inside large places before? Are there several POGO operations – both big and small – present in your locality right now?
Recently in Iloilo City, the City Council of Iloilo formally started their moves to probe the presence of several illegal aliens and their involvement with illegal activities, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) will convene as a committee of the whole to investigate the reported presence of several illegal immigrants here.
This developed as Councilor Romel Duron pushed for a resolution calling for an investigation of undocumented immigrants involved in illegal activities in the city.
In his resolution, Duron asked the committee to invite all agencies involved and even homeowners associations of subdivisions where the presence of foreigners leasing houses is reported.
“It’s not only illegal immigrants but illegal activities are also happening in our city, more so with the ongoing Senate investigation on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO),” he said.
“In the past months here in Iloilo, there were illegal immigrants engaging in illegal activities; some were even apprehended. There are reports that in some subdivisions, there are many foreigners occupying or leasing, who could not speak English or Hiligaynon.”
In a follow-up interview, Duron said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) should explain why many tourists are working in the city when their visas are only good for 30 days.
The council will also invite the Department of Labor and Employment to validate reports that these foreigners were able to secure certification from the agency.
The councilor expressed alarm over crimes and illegal activities linked to illegal immigrants, like human trafficking, crime against women and their children, and drugs, among others.
“Maybe, as of now, it is not rampant, but when ignored, it might happen to us,” he added.
Last year, the City Drugs Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo City Police Office with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center of the Department of Information and Communications Technology arrested 17 Chinese nationals for operating a suspected cybersex den in Barangay Lawa-an in Jaro District.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the City Council of Iloilo made the right move to investigate illegal aliens?
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Two more men who were captured on CCTV attacking referees during a Muntinlupa inter-barangay basketball championship game met and apologized to Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
The violence happened during the championship game between Barangays Bayanan and Cupang under the La Liga de Muntinlupa Basketball Tournament 2024 held on July 5 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The scores were 97 for Cupang and 96 for Bayanan when a player and a referee had a confrontation. The crowd and players joined the melee and attacked the referees. Several people hurled monoblock chairs while others threw water bottles.
De La Salle Green Archers’ Kean Baclaan, a player for the Barangay Bayanan team, was banned from the 2024 tournament “for physically attacking and disrespecting game officials.”
Three other players and a coach from Barangay Bayanan were also banned from the tournament for the same offense.
After the game, an investigation was launched to pinpoint those who attacked the referees. Videos from spectators and CCTV footage at the sports complex showed those who were responsible.
Two additional men who were involved in the violence heeded the call of Biazon and went to his office on July 9.
“Maging responsableng mga indibidwal. Kung hindi sa ibang tao, sa ating mga pamilya. Dapat makatulong sa katahimikan at hindi dumagdag sa kaguluhan (Be responsible individuals. If not for other people, for our family. You should help for peace and not add to the chaos),” Biazon told the two men.
He added, “Humarap sila sa akin matapos ang panawagan ko sa social media. Nag-sorry sila sa mga akto nila noong araw na yun (They went to see me after my call on social media. They said sorry for their actions on that day).”
The mayor previously called on the two men who hurled a chair and punched a referee in the back of the head to see him.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you satisfied that the four men who caused trouble during the chaos of the July 5 local basketball game came to the mayor and apologized in his presence?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in Quezon City, seven individuals were arrested by elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly offering government positions for money, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The suspects were arrested as a result of a successful entrapment operation and already the local authorities are reaching out to people who were victimized by the suspects.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested seven persons for allegedly recruiting applicants for government positions in exchange for a hefty amount of money.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago, who presented the suspects in a press briefing at the NBI main office in Quezon City on Monday, said the June 28 entrapment operation stemmed from information obtained by the agency’s Ilocos Regional Office (IRO) on a person introducing himself as “Atty. JV Cruz” who claimed to be a ranking official in Malacañang.
“Nagpapakilala siya na Asec (Assistant Secretary) ng Presidential Management Staff (PMS) at may specific instruction daw siya mula kay Unang Ginang (Liza Araneta-) Marcos na linisin ang bureaucracy. Ang pakilala niya, siya ang janitor ng bureaucracy. Aalisin yung mga remnants ng previous administration at papalitan (He introduced himself as Asec of the Presidential Management Staff, saying he had specific instructions from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to clean up the bureaucracy. He introduced himself as the janitor of the bureaucracy, tasked to remove the remnants of the previous administration),” Santiago said.
He said the suspect allegedly charged applicants PHP500,000 to PHP1 million.
Santiago said upon verification with the PMS, the NBI learned that there is no Assistant Secretary named “Atty. JV Cruz” and that he is neither connected with the Office of the President (OP) Proper nor authorized to conduct any activity for the office.
During the entrapment operation at a hotel in Quezon City, NBI-IRO and National Capital Region agents disguised as applicants were approached by suspects Paulo Cruz and Jayson Marquina, who were wearing jackets bearing the logo of the OP.
The poseur applicants were then ushered to a room where another suspect identified as JV Cruz was waiting. The operatives apprehended JV after he received PHP100,000 in boodle money.
Aside from Marquina, Paulo Cruz, and JV Cruz, whose real name was John Vicente Cruz, NBI agents also apprehended four others identified as Kim Joseph Hernand, Dante Rabano Jr., Darwin Dave Caigan, and Noriel Reynoso.
The arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code, Executive Order 141 series of 1999, Commonwealth Act No.142, and Articles 177,178,179 of the Revised Penal Code.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there could be more people out there who are secretly engaging in illegal activities such as the one reported above? Do you think new laws should be introduced to make the offering of government positions in exchange for money come with a greater penalty?
As some of you are already aware, I fully stand with Israel which is very connected with my uncompromising faith in the Lord. I keep on praying to Him for Israel to overwhelm its enemies, rescue the hostages and recover from the effects of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks committed by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. I can assure all of you that nobody from the evil Islamo-Leftist mob, nobody from the pro-Palestine radicals and nobody from any evil society would stop me from supporting and loving Israel.
Now, on with the news…
Recently, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Flus confirmed that startups from the Jewish state view the Philippines as a viable gateway to Southeast Asian markets, according to a BusinessWorld news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news article. Some parts in boldface…
ISRAEL companies, particularly startups, view the Philippines as a viable gateway to Southeast Asian markets, according to the Israeli Ambassador and the head of Israel’s economic mission in Manila.
“Asia is a growing market, and Israeli companies are becoming more and more interested in the markets here,” Ambassador Ilan Fluss told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of an Israeli tech startup pitch event at his residence in Makati City.
“The Philippines is also an entry point to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,” he added.
He said the embassy is working closely with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to find ways to make it easier to do business in the Philippines.
“I think the important thing for an Israeli company is to have a good Filipino partner that will be able to guide them (in navigating) the economy,” Mr. Fluss said, noting the difficulties posed by bureaucracy.
Tomer Heyvi, head of the Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines, said more Israeli startups are showing interest in seeking investors from the Philippines.
“The Philippines is a rising star and there is a lot of interest from the Israeli companies in trade, commerce, but also, of course, in investment,” he told BusinessWorld.
Mr. Heyvi said there are more than 9,000 startups in Israel that are seeking partnerships to help them break through in various global markets, including the Philippines.
“Every year, we see an increase in the interest of Israeli companies. So, for me, it’s already an indication that they find this market interesting.”
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics of Israel, trade between the Philippines and Israel amounted to $532 million last year.
Israel’s Ministry of Economy and Industry said on its website that business services between both countries last year were mostly provided by Israeli startups and tech companies engaged in artificial intelligence-based platforms, cybersecurity, and financial technology solutions.
Very clearly, the ties between Israel and the Philippines remain intact and are in fact gradually gaining strength. The future of economic cooperation between the two nations looks bright even though there are lots of uncertainties happening overseas (armed conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, anti-Israel rallies in America and Europe, and so on).
To my fellow Filipinos reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
We live in a very divided world. Around the world, Leftist forces have been supporting evil forces like the current regime of Iran which is known for supplying and arming the Palestinian terrorists, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups around the Middle East. The Leftists and terrorists always go together and their anti-Semitism is clearly obvious. Hamas, which has long been supported by terrorist state Iran, is purely evil and they are being protected by not only their fellow terrorists but also by mainstream news media outlets who are linked with Leftist forces and people who hate Israel and the Jewish people. Iran even has Hezbollah in Lebanon doing their evil works for them. Beware of the evil union of the Islamo-Left which is wicked deep within.
With all that said, I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel and believe that He will guide the Israeli forces to another victory which means finishing off Hamas, crushing Hezbollah and forcing Iran and its terror proxies to give up. Read Joshua 11:1-20 in the Holy Bible for relevance and truth. Pray to the Lord to support Israel, its government officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other stakeholders.
Welcome back, my readers, YouTube viewers and all others who followed this series of articles focused on YouTube videos worth watching. Have you been searching for something fun or interesting to watch on YouTube? Do you feel bored right now and you crave for something to see on the world’s most popular online video destination?
I recommend you check out the following topics and the related videos I found.
#1Gus Abelgas Forensics features Antonio P. Antonio justice story – Last March, the surviving family of the late Antonio P. Antonio (APA) rejoiced when the Parañaque Regional Trial Court found suspect Nelson Antonio guilty of murdering his father (legal term: parricide) in 2013. It was a quest for justice that got fulfilled after more than a decade and along the way the family endured lots of challenges as they adjusted to life without their father (read my previous blog posts by clicking here and here). Recently, the local TV show Gus Abelgas Forensics produced an episode (note: Tagalog language) focused on the story of the late Antonio P. Antonio with special attention paid to the details of the investigation, the analysis of the evidence and information revealed by family members who were interviewed. The episode was released in full on YouTube and I recommend you watch it right now.
#2 Critical Drinker’s videos about Apocalypse Now and Fitzcarraldo – Critical Drinker is one of the most notable and more engaging YouTubers when it comes to entertainment. Apart from doing reviews or commentaries about movies and shows, he has a series of videos that closely examine the troubled entertainment productions. Posted below are his videos about Apocalypse Now (which was filmed here in the Philippines) and Fitzarraldo (notorious for manually hauling a 320-ton steamship up a steep hill as well as cases of deaths and plane crashes).
#3 Ashleigh Burton’s reaction video of Air Force One – If you are a Harrison Ford fan who ended up being depressed over his work in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, then it is time to look back at the actor’s more exciting works from long ago apart from the Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies. Recently, YouTuber Ashleigh Burton released her reaction video of the 1997 blockbuster film Air Force One which had Ford play a brave and fighting US President. Her reaction video is entertaining to watch and you can see it below.
#4 Reggie Miller’s memorable play on May 25, 1998 – Way back in 1998 here in the Philippines, I saw live on cable TV Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals series between the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers. I was rooting for the Pacers as my all-time favorite NBA legend Larry Bird was the coach and they had a very solid team with Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Mark Jackson and others. The game is best remembered for Reggie Miller’s stunning 3-point shot which involved pushing Michael Jordan out of the way to get the ball. Not only that, Miller had a sprained left ankle to do it all. Take note that the Pacers was one of very few times to push Jordan and the Bulls into a full seven games in a best-of-seven series. Watch the video below and enjoy.
#5 X-Men: Apocalypse movie reaction videos – As X-Men: Days of Future Past was such a great film to watch, there was hope that follow-up X-Men movies starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult and Jennifer Lawrence will turn out great and offer moviegoers fine alternatives to the many superhero movies being released by Marvel Studios, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Then X-Men: Apocalypse was released in 2016 and I saw it on opening day inside a local IMAX cinema here in the Philippines. I left the cinema feeling entertained but the overall fun factor of the movie paled in comparison with its 2014 predecessor. If you want to see the YouTubers’ opinions of X-Men: Apocalypse, watch the videos below.
#6 Top Hat Gaming Man’s Double Dragon history videos – Top Hat Gaming Man is an engaging YouTuber to follow when it comes to retro gaming. Among his many videos that examined the history of video games, he published videos focused on the Double Dragon game series which used to be wildly popular. If you are a Double Dragon fan or if you are simply interested to discover how was Double Dragon first created, watch the selected videos below.
Recently in the city of Parañaque, nine Chinese nationals were arrested by immigration agents (supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines) at the Parañaque City Fishport for illegally working onboard vessels, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Nine Chinese nationals suspected to be working illegally onboard vessels along Manila Bay were arrested last June 29 at the Paranaque City Fishport, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Monday, July 1.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said only five of those arrested have pre-arranged working visas petitioned by an engineering company in Pasay City.
Tansingco identifed them as Li Weilin, Liu Peng, Wang Yong, Huang Haibing, Gong Yuan Ju, Zhang Tao, Dai Guang Yuan, Li Jiang Yu, and Kang Tian De. Those with working visas were not identified.
He said they were arrested by BI operatives in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) while disembarking from three motorboats at the Paranaque City Fishport at around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29.
“This operation is a clear message that we will not tolerate foreign nationals abusing their stay in the country,” Tansingco said.
“We remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our borders and maintain order,” he assured.
Tansingco said: “We have reason to suspect that these individuals are engaging in illegal work in vessels along Manila Bay.”
He said the visas of five of them “limit their work to a company in Pasay City and nowhere else.”
He stressed that “foreign nationals with valid working visas, if found to be working in a different company, are violating the conditions of their stay.”
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, what do you think makes your city a favorite destination for Chinese criminals? Did you notice that Parañaque has long been a hot spot of criminal activities that involved Chinese nationals? Did you notice any Chinese fugitives living and hiding in Parañaque?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
A major agreement between Japan and the Philippines pertaining to defense matters and accessibility has been formally signed in the presence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., at Malacañang Palace, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. It should be remembered that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro mentioned this past June that the signing would happen in July. The newly signed agreement is up for ratification in both nations.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippines and Japan on Monday signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) that would facilitate mutual visits between Filipino and Japanese armed forces for training and joint exercises.
Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. signed the treaty documents in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace.
The treaty will have to be ratified by the respective legislative bodies of the Philippines and Japan before it comes into force.
In a courtesy call by Kamikawa and Japan Defense Minister Kihara Minoru to the President, Marcos expressed elation over the signing of the new defense deal.
“Your presence here increases our confidence in the importance that the Japanese government puts on this very important agreement that we have. And I’m very glad that we have come to this day,” Marcos said.
For her part, Kamikawa said the signing of the RAA is “a great achievement” for the two countries deepening bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Kihara touted the leadership of Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in strengthening the ties of the two countries.
He also vowed to continue working with Teodoro to further enhance the defense cooperation and exchanges of the Philippines and Japan.
The Philippines has been expanding engagements with its allies while also beefing up the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
It has similar defense pacts with the United States and Australia, while another defense deal is being pursued with France.
Upgraded ties – Teodoro, meanwhile, said the partnership between the Philippines and Japan has been “upgraded one level higher”, following the signing of the RAA.
“This is another milestone in our shared endeavor to ensure a rules-based international order to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and particularly in our region. Once again we thank the Government of Japan for the assistance rendered to us in several fields,” Teodoro said during his bilateral meeting with Kihara held at the Shangri-la The Fort, Manila in Taguig City.
Teodoro said this landmark deal has added security to the “traditional fields” where Manila and Tokyo have strong ties, particularly economy and trade.
“By adding the vital aspect of security which creates a holistic dimension or adds a holistic dimension to our bilateral relations. It will also add to the multilateral efforts that both our governments are doing to make sure that our region, with respect to international law, we (worked) hand in hand in creating a global architecture which will ensure sustainable peace and stability particularly in our area,” Teodoro said.
The DND chief said Manila is looking forward to more confidence-building measures between the Japanese Self-Defense Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, along with their respective defensive departments.
Meanwhile, Kihara extended his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome he had received from the Teodoro and the DND.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newly signed agreement will be approved soon in both Japan and the Philippines? Do you think China will react negatively towards the new agreement?
Author Carlo Carrasco 