CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Philippine Navy’s (PN) BRP Benguet (LS507) warned off and issued consecutive radio challenges to China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy Ship 621 (PLAN 621) after it shadowed the former at an 80-yard distance and attempted to cross LS507's bow with a CPA (closest point of approach) of 350 yards at 5.8 Nautical Miles South West of Pag-asa Island on Friday, October 13. The PN vessel was en-route to Rizal Reef Station for the conduct of a regular rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission when the incident happened.

The PN crew cited the violation of the Collision Regulations (COLREG) in its radio challenges, and demanded that the Chinese vessel to steer clear of the BRP Benguet.  

In the wake of World Mental Health Day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Office of the Surgeon General launched its Mental Health Program on October 12, 2023 with The Deputy Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Charlton Sean M Gaerlan PN(M) representing the AFP Chief of Staff as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

The event was highlighted by the introduction of the AFP Mental Health Web Pages to improve access to mental health support, ensuring the ongoing efforts to address challenges that may impact personnel well-being and organizational performance. The event also honored benevolent stakeholders for their contributions to the cause.

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines represented by LtGen William Gonzales, the AFP Inspector General, and Baroness Annabel Goldie, the UK’s Minister of State for Indo-Pacific Defence Engagement, reaffirmed PH-UK's commitment to strengthen defense relations during her visit at the AFP General Headquarters on October 12.

In their meeting, the two discussed increasing PH-UK military engagements supported by the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation that is rooted in a long history of friendship and defence cooperation engagements.

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Officially marking the beginning of friendly competitions among Philippine uniformed services, atheletes participating in the AFP-PNP-PCG-BFP-BJMP Olympics 2023 were reminded of their role for peace and freedom of Filipinos in an opening ceremony October 10 at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand here. 

“This event is one way for us to develop our camaraderie. Being members of the uniformed services of the Philippines, we are a proud organization. Marami po sa ating mga kababayan ang umaasa sa atin para sa kalayaan ng ating bayan at sa kapayaaan,” said the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), General Romeo S Brawner Jr PA, the Guest of Honor and Speaker.