New PH 'missile-firing' warship on its way, says U.S. gov't

The Philippines will soon have its second warship, as the newly-refurbished BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) is now on its way to the country from South Carolina.
 
On its Twitter account, the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C. confirmed the missile-firing capable warship has left Charleston and will arrive in Manila around first week on August.
 

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Chinese hackers spying on US weapons programs

Chinese hackers have gained access to secret designs for a slew of sophisticated US weapons programs, officials said, possibly jeopardizing the American military's technological edge.

The breaches were part of a broad Chinese campaign of espionage against top US defense contractors and government agencies, officials said, confirming a Washington Post account of a Pentagon report.

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U.S. warns citizens in PH against 'terrorist kidnap' plot

Do not go to Zamboanga peninsula.
 
This is what the United States tells all American citizens currently in the Philippines, amid a “credible threat of terrorist kidnap for ransom plot against foreigners" in Mindanao.

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North Korea fires sixth missile in three days

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Monday, making six launches in three days, and it condemned South Korea for criticizing what it said were its legitimate military drills.

South Korea's Defense Ministry said North Korea had fired one missile on Monday morning and a second one in the afternoon. Both were fired into the sea off North Korea's east coast, a ministry official said.

The launches come hard on the heels of more than two months of threats from North Korea that it would wage a nuclear war against South Korea and the United States if it were attacked.

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S. Korea offers North talks over Kaesong, warns on refusal

South Korea on Thursday offered North Korea formal talks to resolve the suspended operations at their joint Kaesong industrial zone, and warned of "grave action" if Pyongyang declines.

"We officially propose talks between government authorities," Unification Ministry Spokesman Kim Hyung-Seok said, adding that Pyongyang should reply to the offer by Friday.

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North Korea can launch nuclear missiles

By David Alexander, Christine Kim and Narae Kim

WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea has the ability to launch nuclear-armed ballistic missiles, although they would likely be unreliable, a Pentagon spy agency has concluded, as the United States and South Korea kept watch on Thursday for a missile test-launch by Pyongyang.

The Defense Intelligence Agency study, dated last month, appeared to be the first time the agency had reached such a conclusion.

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PH and Japan, U.S.: From enemies to allies

President Benigno Aquino III honored war veterans on Valor Day, April 9, even as he noted how the enemies they have once fought are now the country's partners.

The United States and Japan, against which the Philippines had clashed before are now its "allies in pursuing peace, stability, and progress," Aquino said.

"Together with America and Japan, we have proven that the best defense against misunderstanding is close cooperation, exchange, and adherence and upholding of international law," he added.

He was speaking before a crowd which included the U.S. and Japanese ambassadors in Bataan.

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U.S. politicians fed up with NoKor leader

Politicians and pundits painted a pretty bleak picture of the situation in North Korea on the Sunday talk-show circuit, with South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham predicting a "major war" breaking out if Kim Jong Un attacks South Korea.

"The North Koreans need to understand if they attack an American interest or an ally of this country, they're going to pay a heavy price," Graham said on NBC's "Meet The Press" on Sunday. "I could see a major war happening if the North Koreans overplay their hand this time, because the public in South Korea, the United States, and I think the whole region, is fed up with this guy."

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Malaysia executes Kiram uncle, claims Sultanate spokesman

The Malaysian government has killed the uncle of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.
 
Abraham Idrijani, spokesperson of the Sulu sultanate, made this claim as he announced the death of Ustadz Jamjam Sali on Sunday or eight days after his alleged arrest in Semporna, Sabah.
 
Idrijani said the Malaysian police forces arrested Sali for being related to Kiram even though he has been living in Semporna since 1990.
 

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Malaysia charges Filipinos with terror, waging war

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Authorities in Malaysia pressed charges on Wednesday against members of a group of armed men who clashed with security forces after landing in a remote coastal area and pressing a 19th century claim to the land.

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