An independent security platform providing OSINT, analysis, and insights on Philippine security and strategic developments, formerly PDM (since April 20, 2026)
Republic of the Philippines
Joined October 2025
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Following a period of reflection and consultation with professionals in the security field, Philippine Defense Monitor (PDM) is proud to announce its transition to New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP). This marks an important new chapter for the initiative. 📣📣
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New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
More Philippine forces monitored by PLA STC at Scarborough Shoal during their Oct. 30 drill:
-Turboprops incl. PAF C-208
-BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6)
-PN AW-109 helicopter
📸 PLA STC via China Military Bugle
NFEM | #Philippines
As a replacement for the PS-37, the arrival of BRP Conrado Yap (PS30) in Eastern Mindanao on October 27, 2026 adds to the Navy’s regional assets, supporting maritime security operations and sustained naval presence within NFEM’s area of responsibility.
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
My second @FACTSAsiaOrg article, “Recognition to Reform,” examines the reforms needed to turn the AFP’s shift from internal to external defense into meaningful capability, and why recognizing these challenges must lead to sustained institutional change.
factsasia.org/blog/recogniti…
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
The Liaoning Carrier Strike Group, in its early detection within the vicinity of Mindanao, operated without any Replenishment Oiler, this suggest a rather odd but moderated operation made by the PLAN, which at some look, creating a diverse finding in operating overseas?
Infographic | #Philippines
The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard coordinated surveillance and escort operations to monitor China’s Carrier Strike Group near Mindanao, demonstrating the importance of maritime domain awareness and sustained presence in Philippine waters.
A great read. BRP Saranggani (6177), transferred to the PCG by @wps_ph, is already contributing to maritime security operations. Its transfer highlights how NGOs and civil society can complement existing maritime security efforts.
New Philippine Coast Guard Vessel Shadows Chinese Carrier Strike Group off Mindanao — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/10/26/new…
Air Force | #Philippines
The PAF and Philippine Army completed IOX 05-2026 in Antique on October 23-24, integrating air and ground capabilities through casualty evacuation, personnel insertion, and search-and-rescue training to strengthen joint operational interoperability.
Air Force | #Philippines
A more recent photo from the PAF-PA IOX held in Antique on Oct. 14 shows a Black Hawk conducting an airlift operation in support of Philippine Army artillery units.
MMCA | #Philippines #Japan #US
The PCG, U.S. Coast Guard, and JMSDF conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippine EEZ on Oct. 23, 2026, involving BRP Suluan, USCGC Bertholf, and JS Kirisame to enhance maritime coordination and interoperability.
DVIDSHUB 📸
22nd PH-JPN-US Maritime Cooperative Activity Concludes Successfully
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) successfully conducted the 22nd PH-JPN-US Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea from 19 to 24 October 2026.
The AFP participated with BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft, and a search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft, while the Philippine Coast Guard fielded BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301). The USPACOM mobilized USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter, while the JMSDF deployed JS Kirisame and an SH-60K helicopter.
Participating forces conducted Communications Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Deck Landing Qualification and Vertical Replenishment (DLQ/VERTREP), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Search and Rescue (SAR) serials to strengthen logistics, maritime-security, and emergency-response coordination.
The successful conduct of the 22nd MMCA reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Japan and the United States and promoting a free, open, and rules-based maritime environment.///
Photos and Videos by SSg Ambay PA & A1C Castro PAF / PAOAFP
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#OneAFPOnePhilippines
#StrongAFPStrongPhilippines
#OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture
#MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
22nd PH-JPN-US Maritime Cooperative Activity Concludes Successfully
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) successfully conducted the 22nd PH-JPN-US Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea from 19 to 24 October 2026.
The AFP participated with BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), an AW109 helicopter, a C-208B aircraft, and a search-and-rescue (SAR) aircraft, while the Philippine Coast Guard fielded BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301). The USPACOM mobilized USCGC Bertholf and an MH-65 helicopter, while the JMSDF deployed JS Kirisame and an SH-60K helicopter.
Participating forces conducted Communications Exercise (COMMEX), Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Deck Landing Qualification and Vertical Replenishment (DLQ/VERTREP), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Search and Rescue (SAR) serials to strengthen logistics, maritime-security, and emergency-response coordination.
The successful conduct of the 22nd MMCA reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Japan and the United States and promoting a free, open, and rules-based maritime environment.///
Photos and Videos by SSg Ambay PA & A1C Castro PAF / PAOAFP
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#OneAFPOnePhilippines
#StrongAFPStrongPhilippines
#OurSeasOurRightsOurFuture
#MatatagNaSandigan 🫡🇵🇭
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
In demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
IN THE NEWS | Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard ships participated in the 82nd Commemoration of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait 2026
👉 facebook.com/share/p/18jmAEY…
PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready
#ProtectingtheSeasSecuringOurFuture
#ModernMultiDomainSelfReliantCrediblePartner
#PN128AlwaysMissionReady
#OneAFPOnePhilippines
#StrongAFPStrongPhilippines
#MatatagNaSandigan
#AFP90
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
Infographic | #Philippines
The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard coordinated surveillance and escort operations to monitor China’s Carrier Strike Group near Mindanao, demonstrating the importance of maritime domain awareness and sustained presence in Philippine waters.
Navy | #Philippines
Coincidentally, Cagayan de Oro falls under the jurisdiction of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM).
two days ago, BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) concludes its NFEM assignment (November 2022-October 2026) and is scheduled for DDORR.
NFEM📸
Infographic | #Philippines
The Philippine Navy and Coast Guard coordinated surveillance and escort operations to monitor China’s Carrier Strike Group near Mindanao, demonstrating the importance of maritime domain awareness and sustained presence in Philippine waters.
Navy | #Philippines
Coincidentally, Cagayan de Oro falls under the jurisdiction of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM).
two days ago, BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) concludes its NFEM assignment (November 2022-October 2026) and is scheduled for DDORR.
NFEM📸
Navy | #Philippines
Coincidentally, Cagayan de Oro falls under the jurisdiction of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM).
two days ago, BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) concludes its NFEM assignment (November 2022-October 2026) and is scheduled for DDORR.
NFEM📸
Navy | #Philippines
Another video showing BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30) docking at Surigao Port from a different angle. The vessel was last spotted at Cagayan de Oro last week.
T-129B ATAK Helicopter of the 15th Strike Wing are also visible in the video.
Bahay Bangka 🎥
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
Last May, the DND blacklisted Gensan Shipyard and Machine Works Inc. and Tropicana World Wide, the contractors handling the delayed dry docking and related repairs (DDORR) of BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30).
We are still monitoring whether the vessels will return to service.
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
Navy | #Philippines
Another video showing BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30) docking at Surigao Port from a different angle. The vessel was last spotted at Cagayan de Oro last week.
T-129B ATAK Helicopter of the 15th Strike Wing are also visible in the video.
Bahay Bangka 🎥
Navy | #Philippines
BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) and BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30) were spotted docking at Surigao Port, Surigao del Norte, in a video uploaded by a civilian source an hour ago.
Both ships have been in Surigao since earlier this week.
Bahay Bangka 🎥
Navy | #Philippines
Another video showing BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30) docking at Surigao Port from a different angle. The vessel was last spotted at Cagayan de Oro last week.
T-129B ATAK Helicopter of the 15th Strike Wing are also visible in the video.
Bahay Bangka 🎥
Navy | #Philippines
BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) and BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30) were spotted docking at Surigao Port, Surigao del Norte, in a video uploaded by a civilian source an hour ago.
Both ships have been in Surigao since earlier this week.
Bahay Bangka 🎥
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
Navy | #Philippines
BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) and BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30) were spotted docking at Surigao Port, Surigao del Norte, in a video uploaded by a civilian source an hour ago.
Both ships have been in Surigao since earlier this week.
Bahay Bangka 🎥
Navy | #Philippines
BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21) and BRP Conrado Yap (PS-30) were spotted docking at Surigao Port, Surigao del Norte, in a video uploaded by a civilian source an hour ago.
Both ships have been in Surigao since earlier this week.
Bahay Bangka 🎥
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
NSTP | #Philippines
The DND’s proposed NEP 2027 highlights key challenges in AFP modernization during senate hearing: funding gaps, defense loans, infrastructure, operational readiness, cyber defense, and budget accountability. The priority is turning spending into capability.
New Strategic Thoughts for the Philippines (NSTP) retweeted
Many challenges raised during the Oct. 19 DND hearing have been discussed on this account since Q1 of 2026. It is encouraging to see them acknowledged. We are looking forward to the DND and AFP turn this recognition into concrete reforms and action.
NSTP | #Philippines
The DND’s proposed NEP 2027 highlights key challenges in AFP modernization during senate hearing: funding gaps, defense loans, infrastructure, operational readiness, cyber defense, and budget accountability. The priority is turning spending into capability.