Philippines asks US for vaccine help as China tensions grow


file64kbrf0k70i1gaxpx8oa

MANILA. April 12 (Bloomberg): The Philippines will restart military drills with the US on Monday as the South-East Asian nation seeks to speed up vaccine deliveries from its longtime defense ally.

Amid growing tensions in the South China Sea, more than 1,000 Filipino soldiers and 700 military personnel from the US will participate in the drills, Philippine military chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana told reporters by phone Sunday, adding it’s a smaller group compared to previous exercises, given the coronavirus pandemic.

5.5 PAYDAY OFFER: 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.04/month

Billed as RM 9.04 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

26 killed in blast at fireworks factory
Over US$6.6mil lost by Singapore-based firm in business e-mail scam recovered by police
Japan, Philippines to launch working-level destroyer export talks
Indonesia warns of high waves up to 4 metres
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (May 5, 2026)
Singaporean man allegedly linked to Cambodia scam ring arrested; two more Singaporean suspects wanted
Ultra-low-priced tours exploiting mainland Chinese visitors survive despite crackdown
Thailand's manufacturing sector growth slows in April as West Asia conflicts bites
Korean man who killed teen in Gwangju says he committed crime while contemplating suicide
Thai hot-shots Buriram United relishing hot semis against Malaysian super-heavyweights JDT in Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup

Others Also Read