Philippines

Japan and Philippine leaders agree to negotiate a defense pact and boost ties amid China’s aggression

By Jim Gomez, Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

The move is part of efforts to fortify their alliance in the face of China's alarming assertiveness in the region.

Gases from Philippine volcano sicken dozens of children, prompting school closures in nearby towns

By Associated Press

Authorities say there is no imminent threat of a major eruption of Taal Volcano, which remains at a low level of unrest in Batangas province south of Manila.

2 Philippine supply boats breach Chinese coast guard blockade in hotly contested South China Sea

By Jim Gomez, Aaron Favila, Associated Press

It's the latest flare-up from territorial disputes in the busy sea that has become a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China rivalry.

Typhoon Doksuri slams into the northern Philippines, leaving at least 2 dead and thousands displaced

By Jim Gomez, Associated Press

The typhoon slammed into Fuga Island before dawn and later made landfall in another island off Aparri town in Cagayan province, where more than 15,000 people were evacuated from high-risk coastal villages.

International probe into Philippines ‘war on drugs’ resumes

By Mike Corder, Associated Press

Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court have ruled that an investigation into the Philippines deadly "war on drugs" can resume.

Philippine ferry catches fire at sea, coast guard rescues all 120 people aboard

By Associated Press

All 120 passengers and crew members aboard a Philippine ferry that caught fire at sea on Sunday were rescued safely and the fire was extinguished, the coast guard said.

Mount Mayon, the Philippines’ most active volcano, spews lava as locals evacuate

By Jim Gomez, Aaron Favila, Associated Press

The Philippines' most active volcano has begun spewing lava in a gentle eruption, putting thousands of people on heightened alert for the possibility of a violent explosion that would force them to suddenly evacuate from their homes, authorities said Monday.

Thousands evacuated as Philippines warns of approaching Typhoon Mawar

By Jim Gomez, Associated Press

The typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 96 mph and gusts of up to 118 mph but is forecast to spare the mountainous region a direct hit.

WATCH: Biden says U.S. and Philippines are ‘ironclad’ partners amid China tension

By Aamer Madhani, Jim Gomez, Associated Press

President Joe Biden reiterated U.S. commitment to the Philippines' security and noted the "deep friendship" of the two nations as he welcomed Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for White House talks.

Chinese coast guard ship blocks Philippine patrol vessel in new stand-off

By Jim Gomez, Associated Press

A Chinese coast guard ship blocked a Philippine patrol vessel steaming into a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, causing a frightening near-collision in the latest act of Beijing's aggression in the strategic waterway.