China accuses US of ‘instigating’ Philippines to ‘provoke’ Beijing

A handout frame grab photo from a video made available by the Philippine'Äôs Armed Forces shows a Chinese coast guard ship with bow number 5203 after bumping a Philippine's Armed Forces supply boat as they approach Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin Shoal, at the disputed South China Sea on 22 October 2023. EFE-EPA/PHILIPPINE'S ARMED FORCES / HANDOUT BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

Beijing, Oct 23 (EFE).- China on Monday accused the United States of instigating the Philippines to “violate” its sovereignty with actions it said contributed to the recent escalation of tensions, aggravated by two collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed South China Sea waters. Beijing said the Philippines’ “provocations” in Ayungin Atoll (known as … Read more

‘Pagpag’: recycled garbage meat eaten by Manila’s poorest

Filipino food vendor Evelyn Blasorca sells 'pagpag' in a slum area in Manila, Philippines, 21 April 2023 (issued on 24 April 2023). EFE/EPA/FRANCIS R. MALASIG

By Federico Segarra Pagpag: recycled food out of necessity Manila, Apr 24 (EFE).- With food prices rising relentlessly, Manila’s poorest residents are increasingly resorting to eating “pagpag”, a stew cooked with scraps of meat and bones scavenged from rubbish bins that is cooked or refried again and seasoned with sauce. “Everyone here likes my food, … Read more

Philippines oil spill threatens marine sanctuary

Filipino fishermen wearing protective suits collect oily waste along a beach in the coastal town of Pola, Mindoro island, Philippines, 06 March 2023. EFE-EPA/FRANCIS R. MALASIG/FILE

Manila, Mar 20 (EFE).- The industrial oil spill from the sinking of a cargo ship in February has reached the marine corridor of Isla Verde, a marine sanctuary of high ecological value, which could create an environmental catastrophe, the coast guard told EFE on Monday. “The oil has already been seen both in the marine … Read more

Philippines fears oil spill could reach tourist resort island of Boracay

Filipino fishermen and coastguard personnel wearing protective suits collect oily waste along a beach in the coastal town of Pola, Mindoro island, Philippines, 06 March 2023. EFE/EPA/FRANCIS R. MALASIG

Manila, Mar 6 (EFE).- Philippines authorities fear that the oil spill from a tanker that sunk last week, and which has already reached several islands in the center of the archipelago, may reach the island of Boracay, the country’s most important tourist destination. The MT Princess Empress sunk last Tuesday off the coast of Naujan, … Read more