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US-Iran talks in Pakistan stretch into extended sessions with no deal yet

EDGARDO HERNAL
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US-Iran talks in Pakistan stretch into extended sessions with no deal yet

ISLAMABAD — High-stakes negotiations involving the United States, Iran, and Pakistan entered extended sessions into early Sunday in Islamabad, as diplomats pushed to stabilize a fragile ceasefire while hostilities and tensions continued across the region.

The talks, which began Saturday, have already stretched for more than nine hours and proceeded through multiple rounds, reflecting both urgency and deep divisions between the parties. The meetings follow earlier indirect engagements and separate discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Iranian state media said the trilateral talks moved forward after a reduction in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the fulfillment of key preconditions set by Tehran. Washington has yet to issue formal confirmation of the negotiations, although senior US officials are widely reported to be participating.

The American delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran’s team is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Officials say the discussions are focused on sustaining the ceasefire and exploring broader pathways toward de-escalation.

Diplomatic sources describe the talks as historically significant, marking rare direct engagement between Washington and Tehran after decades of strained relations. However, negotiators caution that no agreement has yet been reached, particularly on Iran’s key demands, which its officials continue to frame as non-negotiable.

Iran has reiterated elements of its earlier 10-point proposal, calling for a permanent end to hostilities, the lifting of economic sanctions, and guarantees for its regional allies, including a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. The United States has countered with a 15-point framework that includes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and measures to ensure unimpeded access through the Strait of Hormuz.

The scope of the negotiations has expanded beyond ceasefire terms, now encompassing maritime security, nuclear issues, and the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon, underscoring the complexity of the diplomatic effort.

Even as talks continue, military tensions remain high. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon persisted on Saturday, with Lebanese state media reporting additional casualties. The continued violence has cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire and complicated efforts to secure a lasting agreement.

Developments in the Strait of Hormuz have further heightened stakes. The United States has begun mine-clearing operations in the strategic waterway, a move aimed at restoring global shipping flows. Iran, however, has warned it would respond forcefully to any perceived military escalation in the area, raising concerns of a broader confrontation.

The wider conflict has caused significant casualties, with reports indicating at least 3,000 deaths in Iran, 1,953 in Lebanon, and 23 in Israel, along with additional fatalities in Gulf Arab states. It has also severely disrupted global energy markets and trade routes, with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz still well below pre-conflict levels, although some oil tankers have recently resumed passage.

In Tehran, public sentiment remains mixed. Residents expressed cautious hope that the talks could lead to de-escalation, while others voiced skepticism, noting the extensive damage and economic hardship caused by weeks of sustained strikes.

US President Donald Trump, speaking ahead of the negotiations, said Iran was in a weakened negotiating position and warned against delays. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, part of the delegation in Islamabad, said Tehran was entering the talks with “deep distrust” and warned of retaliation if attacks resume.

Security in Islamabad remained tight throughout the negotiations, with major roads sealed and residents advised to stay indoors as authorities worked to secure the diplomatic process.

Parallel efforts are also underway, with separate Israel-Lebanon talks expected in Washington in the coming days. However, unresolved issues, including Hezbollah’s disarmament and continued Israeli operations, continue to threaten broader diplomatic progress.

As negotiations continue, officials say the outcome of the Islamabad talks will be critical in determining whether the current ceasefire can hold or if the region risks slipping back into wider conflict.

Dumating ang higit 300,000 bariles ng diesel sa Pilipinas sa gitna ng krisis sa Middle East

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Dumating ang higit 300,000 bariles ng diesel sa Pilipinas sa gitna ng krisis sa Middle East

TAGUIG CITY – Inanunsyo ni Energy Secretary Sharon Garin noong Sabado ang pagdating sa bansa ng mahigit 300,000 bariles ng diesel na inangkat ng pamahalaan upang palakasin ang suplay ng langis habang nagpapatuloy ang krisis sa Middle East.

Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Garin na ang kargamento mula sa Malaysia, na inangkat ng Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC), ay umabot sa 329,000 bariles o higit sa 52 milyong litro ng diesel. Ayon sa kanya, layunin ng shipment na madagdagan ang reserbang suplay ng bansa habang hindi pa natatapos ang kaguluhan sa rehiyon.

“Dumating na!” ani Garin sa isang Facebook post.

Bahagi ang naturang delivery ng kabuuang 900,000 bariles ng diesel na inaasahang darating ngayong Abril sa tatlong magkakahiwalay na batch na tig-300,000 bariles. Inaasahan naman na darating ang susunod na dalawang batch sa ikalawa at ikatlong linggo ng buwan, na manggagaling sa North Asia o India at sa Oman.

Ang 900,000 bariles na ito ay bahagi rin ng mas malaking order na 1.042 milyong bariles ng diesel. Sa kabuuang bilang na ito, 142,000 bariles ang naunang dumating mula Japan noong Marso 26.

Ayon sa Department of Energy, ang pinakahuling shipment ay bahagi ng mas pinalawak na oil diplomacy ng pamahalaan alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa ilalim ng Executive Order No. 110.

Sinabi ni Garin na ang pagdating ng diesel mula Malaysia ay nagpapalakas sa kakayahan ng bansa na matiyak ang sapat na suplay sa gitna ng patuloy na pagbabago sa sitwasyon sa Middle East at ng mga panlabas na panganib.

Dagdag pa niya, nagsasagawa ang pamahalaan ng mga hakbang upang tiyakin ang sapat na imbentaryo ng langis, suportahan ang mahahalagang sektor, at maiwasan ang posibleng kakulangan sa suplay sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Batay sa datos ng DOE noong Abril 3, mayroong 75.052 milyong litro ng kabuuang suplay ng langis ang bansa na tinatayang tatagal ng hanggang 50 araw. Sa diesel naman, mayroong 2.516 milyong litro o katumbas ng humigit-kumulang 47.26 araw na suplay.

Tiniyak ng DOE na patuloy nitong babantayan ang antas ng imbentaryo, makikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at mga stakeholder sa industriya, at sisiguruhin ang maayos na distribusyon ng mga darating pang suplay upang maiwasan ang pagkaantala na maaaring makaapekto sa transportasyon, logistics, power generation, at iba pang mahahalagang sektor ng ekonomiya.

Binigyang-diin din ng ahensya na nananatiling vulnerable ang Pilipinas, bilang isang net importer ng produktong petrolyo na maaaring makaapekto sa presyo at suplay ng langis. Bilang tugon, patuloy umanong kikilos ang pamahalaan upang mapanatili ang sapat na suplay, maayos na galaw ng merkado, at mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga mamimili.

Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly recovering from serious injuries following Tehran airstrike

Venus L Peñaflor
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Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly recovering from serious injuries following Tehran airstrike

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly recovering from severe injuries sustained during an airstrike in Tehran that occurred at the start of the conflict involving US and Israeli forces, according to a report by Reuters citing individuals described as close to his inner circle.

The report said the February 28 strike targeted the Supreme Leader’s compound in Tehran on the first day of the war. It allegedly resulted in the death of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and left Mojtaba Khamenei with serious injuries to his face and at least one leg. There has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the extent of his injuries or the reported death of Ali Khamenei.

Sources cited in the report said the 56-year-old leader remains in recovery but is mentally alert. They also claimed he continues to take part in key decision-making processes through audio conferencing, including matters related to the ongoing conflict and diplomatic negotiations.

Despite his reported condition, Mojtaba Khamenei’s current whereabouts and overall ability to govern remain unclear. Speculation has increased due to the absence of verified photos, video, or audio recordings of him since the reported airstrike and his subsequent emergence in leadership discussions on March 8.

Iran has not issued any official statement confirming the details of the incident or addressing claims regarding his health.

Meanwhile, US-Iran peace talks are scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, over the weekend. The Iranian delegation, which reportedly arrived on Saturday, includes Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as well as defense, security, economic officials, and lawmakers.

Last month, a statement attributed to the Supreme Leader was broadcast on Iranian state television, though he did not appear on video. The message was delivered by a presenter, further fueling questions about his condition and public presence since the start of the conflict.

SM City San Pablo adopts solar power to enhance operational sustainability

Venus L Peñaflor
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SM City San Pablo adopts solar power to enhance operational sustainability

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna – SM City San Pablo continues to advance its sustainability efforts by integrating solar energy into its daily operations, aligning with a broader push for renewable energy adoption across the Philippines’ commercial sector.

The mall is now partially powered by solar energy, allowing it to reduce dependence on the national grid while maintaining reliable operations, particularly during periods of high energy demand or supply constraints. The initiative reflects a growing trend among large-scale commercial establishments to adopt cleaner energy sources amid rising electricity costs and climate concerns.

The move forms part of the wider renewable energy program of SM Prime Holdings, which has installed rooftop solar systems across dozens of its properties nationwide. As of 2025, the company operates solar installations in at least 59 malls, deploying more than 200,000 solar panels capable of generating over 100 megawatts of peak energy.

These systems directly power essential mall operations such as lighting, escalators, and common area facilities, significantly lowering electricity consumption from conventional sources. In some SM malls, solar installations already supply a meaningful share of total energy needs while preventing thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually.

Industry experts note that rooftop solar photovoltaic systems are increasingly becoming a viable solution in urban centers, offering both environmental and economic benefits. By generating power on-site, establishments can reduce transmission losses, stabilize energy supply, and contribute to national targets for renewable energy expansion.

For communities like San Pablo, the transition to solar power also enhances resilience. Locally generated renewable energy helps mitigate the impact of grid fluctuations and supports uninterrupted services in high-traffic public spaces such as malls.

Beyond energy generation, SM Prime’s sustainability strategy includes waste management, water conservation, and energy efficiency programs, all aimed at reducing its overall environmental footprint and supporting its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

With solar energy now powering part of its operations, SM City San Pablo demonstrates how commercial centers can play a key role in advancing clean energy adoption while continuing to serve communities in a more sustainable and climate-conscious manner.

Artemis II crew returns from lunar voyage with Pacific splashdown

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Artemis II crew returns from lunar voyage with Pacific splashdown

HOUSTON — The four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission safely returned to Earth on Friday, completing a historic lunar flyby and ending humanity’s first crewed journey beyond low-Earth orbit in more than five decades.

The capsule, named Integrity, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego after reentering Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speeds, marking the conclusion of a nearly 10-day mission that tested the next phase of lunar exploration.

The crew, Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, endured a high-risk reentry sequence as their spacecraft entered the atmosphere at Mach 33, experiencing a communication blackout while surrounded by intense plasma heating.

Mission controllers at NASA’s Houston facility monitored the descent closely as the Orion capsule’s heat shield withstood temperatures of several thousand degrees during reentry. The spacecraft deployed its parachutes as planned before executing a controlled splashdown, which officials described as a precise landing.

“Perfect bull’s-eye splashdown,” Mission Control confirmed moments after recovery teams secured the capsule aboard the USS John P. Murtha.

Launched from Florida on April 1, the Artemis II mission marked a major milestone in NASA’s renewed lunar program, designed to pave the way for long-term human presence on the Moon.

Although the spacecraft did not land on the lunar surface, it set a new distance record for human spaceflight, traveling farther from Earth than any previous crew, surpassing the Apollo 13 record. During its journey, the crew reached approximately 252,756 miles from Earth and conducted a lunar flyby that revealed never-before-seen views of the Moon’s far side.

The astronauts also witnessed a total solar eclipse from deep space, an event described by crew members as a deeply moving experience.

In addition to scientific observations, the mission highlighted human moments in space. The crew requested permission to name lunar craters after their spacecraft and the late wife of Commander Wiseman, a gesture that underscored the emotional significance of the mission.

Despite technical challenges during the flight, including issues with water and propulsion systems and intermittent toilet malfunctions, the astronauts maintained that the mission’s risks were part of advancing exploration.

NASA officials said the Artemis program will continue with Artemis III, which is expected to involve docking operations with a lunar lander, followed by a planned crewed landing near the Moon’s south pole under Artemis IV.

The successful return of Artemis II has been widely celebrated as a stepping stone toward sustained lunar exploration and eventual missions deeper into the solar system.


Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad ahead of critical peace talks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iranian delegation arrives in Islamabad ahead of critical peace talks

ISLAMABAD — An Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Friday for high-stakes peace talks with the United States, as last-minute demands from Tehran cast uncertainty over the start of negotiations.

U.S. President Donald Trump earlier announced a two-week ceasefire in the six-week conflict, just hours before a deadline after which he had warned of severe consequences for Iran. The truce has temporarily halted U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.

However, tensions remain elevated as Iran continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies. Fighting also persists between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said talks would not begin unless Washington fulfills prior commitments, including unfreezing Iranian assets and securing a ceasefire in Lebanon. Qalibaf is leading the delegation alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, with a team of around 70 members composed of technical experts, officials, and support staff.

Speaking in Islamabad, Qalibaf said Iran approached the talks with goodwill but remained distrustful of the United States. He added that Tehran is prepared to reach an agreement if presented with what he described as a genuine deal that recognizes Iran’s rights.

In response, Trump said in a social media post that Iran holds limited leverage in the negotiations, asserting that its primary option is to engage in talks.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, expressed cautious optimism but warned that the United States would not be receptive to any attempts to manipulate the process.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the negotiations as a “make-or-break phase,” emphasizing that securing a permanent ceasefire will depend on resolving complex issues through dialogue.

Meanwhile, separate talks are expected in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese officials, although both sides have issued conflicting statements about the agenda. Israel has ruled out discussing a ceasefire with Hezbollah, while Lebanon has signaled interest in pursuing one.

Despite the ceasefire between Iran and the United States, Israeli strikes have continued in southern Lebanon, with authorities reporting more than 1,900 deaths since early March.

Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has taken a firm stance ahead of the talks, vowing to seek compensation for wartime damage and to hold those responsible for attacks on Iran accountable.

Although Trump has declared success in weakening Iran’s military capabilities, the country retains the ability to launch missile and drone strikes and maintains a significant stockpile of enriched uranium.

Iran is expected to push for major concessions during the talks, including the lifting of long-standing economic sanctions and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could significantly shift the regional balance of power.

The ongoing disruption to energy supplies has contributed to rising inflation and slower global economic growth. Recent U.S. data showed monthly inflation rose by 0.9% in March, marking the fastest increase since 2022.

Pinas bumili ng 318 milyong litro ng krudo mula sa apat na bansa

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pinas bumili ng 318 milyong litro ng krudo mula sa apat na bansa

MAYNILA — Inatasan ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang Department of Energy sa pamamagitan ng Philippine National Oil Company na bumili ng kabuuang 318 milyong litro o katumbas ng dalawang milyong bariles ng krudo mula sa iba’t ibang bansa upang palakasin ang suplay ng enerhiya ng bansa.

Sa press briefing sa Malacañang, sinabi ni Sharon Garin na bahagi ito ng hakbang ng pamahalaan upang matiyak ang sapat na suplay ng langis sa gitna ng umiiral na tensyon sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Ayon kay Garin, inaasahang darating agad sa bansa ang 165 milyong litro mula sa kabuuang inangkat, na manggagaling sa Malaysia, Singapore, India, at Oman.

Dahil dito, tiniyak ng kalihim na hindi dapat mangamba ang publiko sa posibilidad ng kakulangan ng krudo sa bansa, sa kabila ng patuloy na kaguluhan sa Middle East.

Binigyang-diin ni Garin na kahit wala pa ang komite na tinutukoy bilang UPLIFT, nauna nang iniutos ng Pangulo sa PNOC na kumuha ng sariling suplay upang madagdagan ang reserba ng mga oil company sa Pilipinas.

“In fact, ang kabuuang 165 million liters ang ina-acquire ng PNOC. Ang target nito kasi is 318 million liters, 2 million barrels,” pahayag ni Garin.

Dagdag pa ng opisyal, nagpapatuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng pamahalaan sa iba pang bansa upang makahanap ng alternatibong mapagkukunan ng krudo at hindi lamang umasa sa Middle East, partikular sa Strait of Hormuz.

Nilinaw rin ni Garin na ang tinatawag na 50-araw na oil reserve ay hindi nangangahulugang mauubos ito sa loob ng nasabing panahon, kundi patuloy itong nadaragdagan sa oras na dumating ang mga bagong suplay sa bansa.

Melania Trump addresses Epstein controversy, drawing renewed attention to the issue

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Melania Trump addresses Epstein controversy, drawing renewed attention to the issue

Washington, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump publicly addressed the controversy surrounding convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein, issuing a rare statement that has intensified scrutiny rather than quieting the issue.

Speaking from the White House, Trump denied any personal connection to Epstein beyond limited social encounters and rejected claims linking her to the case. “I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump,” she said, adding that “the lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today.”

The first lady said she had never been friends with Epstein, though she acknowledged crossing paths with him in social circles in New York and Florida during her early relationship with Donald Trump. She also addressed a past email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwell, describing it as “casual correspondence” and “trivial.”

Her remarks come at a politically sensitive moment for the Trump administration, which is already facing criticism over its handling of the Epstein case and broader geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Iran. While there is no evidence of wrongdoing by either Melania or Donald Trump, the administration has been under pressure to clarify what officials knew about Epstein and his network.

The White House has repeatedly sought to downplay the issue, with the president previously describing it as a political distraction. However, the first lady’s decision to speak publicly has drawn renewed attention to the controversy and raised questions about internal coordination. Conflicting accounts emerged over whether the president had prior knowledge of her remarks.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse and advocacy groups responded critically, arguing that the statement shifts focus away from calls for accountability. In a joint statement, a group of survivors and relatives of victims, including those connected to Virginia Giuffre, said the remarks risk placing additional burden on victims while key documents and investigations remain unresolved.

Trump’s comments also included a call for women to be allowed to share their experiences publicly, stating that testimony should be formally recorded if survivors choose to come forward. The statement has added to ongoing debate over transparency, particularly regarding documents tied to the Epstein case that advocacy groups say have yet to be fully released.

On Capitol Hill, some Democratic lawmakers have called for further action, including the possibility of testimony from the first lady. Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, said her public remarks could warrant formal scrutiny if Congress seeks additional clarity on the issue.

The episode underscores the continuing political and legal ramifications of the Epstein case, which has implicated numerous high-profile figures and remains a source of public and institutional pressure. It also adds to mounting challenges for the administration, as it navigates both domestic controversies and foreign policy tensions.

As debate over accountability and transparency continues, the first lady’s intervention is likely to shape the next phase of public and political discourse surrounding the Epstein case.

US and Iran set for ceasefire talks as Netanyahu approves negotiations with Lebanon

Venus L Peñaflor
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US and Iran set for ceasefire talks as Netanyahu approves negotiations with Lebanon

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Negotiations aimed at stabilizing the fragile truce are expected to proceed, though several unresolved issues threaten both the ceasefire and broader efforts to end the conflict permanently. Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that planned discussions may not move forward unless Israeli military operations in Lebanon are halted.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance departed Washington for Pakistan ahead of the talks, expressing cautious optimism. “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s gonna be positive. We’ll of course see,” Vance said, adding that the United States remains open to diplomacy if Iran engages in good faith.

U.S. President Donald Trump, however, criticized Tehran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of restricting maritime traffic in violation of understandings tied to the ceasefire. The vital waterway, once carrying about 20% of global oil trade, has seen a dramatic decline in ship movements since the conflict began.

Meanwhile, Israel is expected to begin separate negotiations with Lebanon in Washington next week, following authorization from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The talks aim to address the disarmament of Hezbollah and explore the possibility of formal relations between the two countries, which have technically been at war since 1948.

Despite diplomatic efforts, violence persists. Israeli airstrikes on Beirut earlier this week killed more than 300 people, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, marking the deadliest day in the country since the conflict erupted on Feb. 28. Israel said it continued targeting rocket launchers in Lebanon following attacks on its northern territory.

Iranian officials have warned of strong retaliation if Israeli operations against Hezbollah continue. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said further strikes would carry “explicit costs and strong responses.”

On the ground in Lebanon, civilians continue to grapple with the aftermath of heavy bombardment. Residents have been seen searching through debris to recover belongings, with many expressing relief that family members survived despite widespread destruction.

Regional tensions have also extended beyond the immediate conflict zones. Kuwait reported a drone attack it attributed to Iran and allied militias, though Tehran denied involvement.

The economic impact of the crisis is intensifying. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising to around $97 per barrel, reflecting a more than 30% increase since the war began. Maritime congestion has worsened, with hundreds of vessels reportedly waiting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under uncertain conditions.

Uncertainty also surrounds Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, a central issue in the conflict. The United States maintains that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and has proposed removing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iranian officials insist their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and have underscored the country’s right to continue uranium enrichment as part of any agreement.

Casualty figures continue to mount. An Iranian official reported more than 3,000 deaths in Iran, though no official nationwide toll has been released. In Lebanon, over 1,800 people have been killed and approximately one million displaced. Additional casualties have been reported across the region, including in Israel, Gulf Arab states, and the occupied West Bank, along with fatalities among U.S. military personnel.

As diplomatic efforts advance, the situation remains precarious, with both military and political developments likely to shape the prospects for a lasting resolution.

Nagbukas ng bagong coast guard base ang Pilipinas sa pinag-aagawang South China Sea

Venus L Peñaflor
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Nagbukas ng bagong coast guard base ang Pilipinas sa pinag-aagawang South China Sea

MAYNILA — Pormal na pinasinayaan ng Pilipinas ang isang mahalagang base ng Coast Guard sa Thitu Island noong Huwebes, bilang bahagi ng pagpapalakas ng presensya ng bansa sa gitna ng patuloy na tensyon sa South China Sea.

Inilarawan ng mga opisyal ang bagong coast guard district command bilang isang “matatag na bantay ng ating soberanya” sa rehiyong inaangkin din ng China, gayundin ng Vietnam at Taiwan. Matagal nang okupado ng mga Pilipino ang isla, na kilala rin bilang Pag-asa, at tinitirhan ng humigit-kumulang 400 residente.

Pinangunahan nina Giovanni Lopez, Erwin Tulfo, at Ronnie Gil Gavan ang seremonya ng pagbubukas, kasabay ng paggunita sa Araw ng Kagitingan. Ayon kay Lopez, layunin ng pasilidad na ipakita ang kahandaan ng bansa na ipagtanggol ang karagatan, kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda, at pambansang soberanya.

Samantala, iniulat ng Philippine Coast Guard na pinaputukan ng flare ng mga puwersa ng China ang kanilang patrol aircraft sa ibabaw ng Subi Reef at Mischief Reef, na tinawag nitong isang malinaw at sinadyang pananakot na naglagay sa panganib sa mga tauhang Pilipino. Wala pang opisyal na pahayag ang China hinggil dito.

Patuloy na inaangkin ng China ang halos buong South China Sea sa kabila ng desisyon noong 2016 South China Sea Arbitration na nagpawalang-bisa sa malawak nitong claim sa ilalim ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Ang bagong pasilidad ay pamumunuan ng isang commodore at susuportahan ng mga tauhan, barko, at sasakyang panghimpapawid para sa pagpapatupad ng batas, pagmamanman, pangangalaga sa kalikasan, at search and rescue operations. Plano ring magtayo ng mas maliliit na outpost sa iba pang bahaging kontrolado ng Pilipinas.

Matatagpuan sa lalawigan ng Palawan, ang Pag-asa Island ay isa sa siyam na isla at bahura na hawak ng Pilipinas mula pa noong dekada 1970. Sa kabila ng mga modernisasyong tulad ng internet, runway, at mas maayos na suplay ng tubig at kuryente, nananatili itong isang maliit na pamayanan kumpara sa malalaking pasilidad na itinayo ng China sa mga kalapit na bahura.

Ayon sa lokal na opisyal na si MP Albayda, malaking tulong sa moral ng mga residente ang bagong base, lalo na’t araw-araw nilang nasasaksihan ang presensya ng mga barko ng Chinese coast guard at militia sa paligid ng isla.


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