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NGA 911 recognized for bringing emergency response system to Philippines

California-based public safety technology company Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) has been awarded the Community Impact and Service Award by the International Asian American Business Expo (IAABE) in California for bringing a world-class emergency response system to the Philippines.

NGA 911 is a global emergency communications technology company that develops systems connecting people in critical moments to police, fire and emergency medical responders.

The company’s cloud-based emergency communications and public safety solutions modernize traditional dispatch infrastructure through IP-based systems that transmit voice, text and video during critical incidents.

The award was presented to NGA 911 at the IAABE Legacy Gala at the Torrance Marriott last month. The event was hosted by the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce, a national alliance of more than 61 Filipino American chambers of commerce spanning more than 20 US states.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles nominated NGA 911 for the award.

‘We recognize the company’s efforts to bring a unified emergency response system modeled after the U.S. 911 system to the Philippines. Its full implementation will benefit a huge number of our Filipino population,’ Los Angeles Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz said.

Ishka Villacisneros-Tusjakova, chief financial officer of NGA 911 in the United States and president of Next Generation Advanced 911 Philippines, received the award on behalf of the company.

‘This recognition is an opportunity to put the Philippines on an international stage as an example of what can happen when American innovation meets Filipino leadership and public service. As a Filipina, I am proud that the work we are doing can become a model for other ASEAN countries – and inspire us to keep building technology that reaches more people and ultimately saves more lives,’ Villacisneros-Tusjakova said.

The Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to adopt the US-grade emergency system and is the only ASEAN country where, according to NGA 911, next-generation technology is fully implemented and actively used.

Neighboring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are also looking to the Philippines as a template for upgrading their legacy infrastructure, according to the company.

Bank of Baroda faces asset seizure over Sh2.99bn court award to borrower

Bank of Baroda (Kenya) Limited faces attachment of its movable assets after the High Court ordered it to pay Infinity Industrial Park Limited Sh2.99 billion in special damages, escalating a dispute over financing for a planned 200-acre industrial park in Nairobi.

A warrant issued by Milimani High Court Deputy Registrar Stellah Sagwe on September 15 directs Moran Auctioneers to attach the bank’s movable and attachable property unless the amount is paid.

The warrant records the amount currently due as Sh2.99 billion, comprising the damages award, Sh1,500 in further costs and Sh1,500 in collection fees. Attached property may be sold by public auction after the required 15-day notice and proclamation process.

The auctioneer is expected to return the warrant to court by October 15, explaining how it was executed or why it was not. No seizure or sale of bank assets is established by the documents.

The warrant follows a decree in a 2024 commercial dispute pitting Infinity Industrial Park Limited against the bank, in which the court entered judgment for the amount, after Infinity withdrew most of its original prayers.

The legal dispute originates from a Sh1.97 billion bank loan facility advanced in 2019 to finance Infinity’s industrial park development.

The company alleged that delays in releasing charged land and related financing constraints disrupted the project, while the bank maintained that the borrower had fallen into arrears and that it was entitled to retain its security.

Infinity had initially sought orders stopping the bank from selling or interfering with its approximately 200-acre project land in Njiru, along Nairobi’s Eastern Bypass. It sought a Sh650 million facility for a second warehouse cluster or release of 15 acres to obtain financing elsewhere.

It also alleged delays in releasing title documents and land, and sought a payment moratorium, withdrawal of adverse credit-reference listings and damages.

Those prayers were withdrawn through a notice dated August 6, 2026, which the court allowed and adopted. The remaining claim produced the Sh2.99 billion judgment.

The dispute began with the Sh1.97 billion loan facility advanced by Bank of Baroda in 2019. The financing comprised a takeover loan from Equity Bank, a fresh overdraft and a new term loan, secured against several properties.

Infinity told the court that it was developing an industrial park and logistics project for small and medium-sized businesses on land with a projected 15-year development period and capacity for up to 1,000 enterprises. It was designed to provide industrial plots, warehouses and supporting infrastructure for SMEs.

Infinity says it made substantial repayments, including Sh500 million in principal and Sh800 million in interest by December 2023. It says it repeatedly sought restructuring and partial release of charged land to raise funds.

The company says it offered Sh250 million in December 2025 for release of 10 acres, but the proposal was rejected.

The case took a turn after the bank failed to file its defence within the prescribed period, leading to a default judgment in September 2025.

The court also dismissed the bank’s July 2026 attempt to set aside that judgment. The court found the bank had participated in proceedings but failed to comply with court directions.

“The failure to comply with the court’s timeline is not attributable to the absence of formal summons; it is simply a case of non-compliance with a court order,’ the court ruled.

The bank blamed its former lawyers for failing to communicate directions concerning its defence, while maintaining that its intended defence raised issues about the security, amount claimed and loan dispute.

The bank’s position in the wider dispute has been that Infinity defaulted and that it was entitled to exercise its rights as a secured lender.

The dispute has also expanded into a separate fight over the bank’s attempted appointment of joint administrators to Infinity in August, with the company challenging the move in court.

Azerbaijan’s fuel exports give Armenia taste of peace dividend

Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan’s recent statement to journalists vividly demonstrates the net benefits that freeing societies from the economic burden of regional conflicts and establishing trade relations in conditions of peace can bring. According to the minister, as a result of the start of fuel imports from Azerbaijan to Armenia, fuel prices in the country have been kept at a level below the sharp pace of increases in global markets. In economic terms, Azerbaijan has prevented a supply-side inflation shock in Armenia through its energy resources.

Of course, assessing the outcome of this process merely as a reduction in citizens’ daily transportation and commuting costs would be to see only the superficial side of the issue. When viewed from a deeper macroeconomic perspective, the picture becomes clearer.

As is known, following the Second Karabakh War (2020) and Azerbaijan’s full restoration of its sovereignty in September 2023, the geopolitical stagnation that had persisted in the South Caucasus for decades was disrupted. The phase of conflict that began in 1988-before the collapse of the Soviet Union-with Yerevan’s territorial claims against Karabakh and inflicted heavy socioeconomic losses on both sides came to an end. Armenia being compelled toward peace and the post-conflict realities opened the door to limited but strategically significant trade contacts between the sides.

The first fruits of these contacts became visible at a time when a global inflationary wave was raging. After the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in supply chains around the world, followed by geopolitical crises, fueled mass inflation. As a rule, the economies of developing countries are more vulnerable to macroeconomic factors and external shocks than those of developed countries. The world has still not fully recovered from the negative effects of the inflationary wave that began with COVID-19.

In economics, inflation is often referred to as an ‘unfair’ or ‘regressive tax.’ This is because it is a mechanism that is not officially regulated but ruthlessly erodes the purchasing power of the population, particularly low- and middle-income groups. In developing countries, food products constitute a large share of the inflation basket. Food inflation, in turn, directly intersects with fuel prices. Every stage, from planting and harvesting a product in the field to its processing, delivery to supermarket shelves, and arrival on the consumer’s table, is linked to transportation and energy costs.

Therefore, although Armenian officials may refrain from openly acknowledging it, fuel imported from Azerbaijan has significantly curbed overall inflationary pressures in Armenia and prevented a sharp jump in food prices. Every specialist familiar with the fundamental laws of economics can confirm that securing fuel from a cheaper and logistically advantageous source reduces production and delivery costs in a country, thereby directly supporting macroeconomic stability.

Now, let us imagine the bigger picture for a moment: If a final peace agreement is signed between the two countries, communications are opened, and trade relations are fully restored, how much could the regional economy benefit from this?

For years, Armenia, having become a hostage to its irredentist and occupation policies, allocated more than 5% of its GDP to military expenditures and, by this measure, became one of the most militarized countries in Europe. The elimination of the risk of war allows Armenia to reduce the burden of unproductive military spending and direct these resources toward education, healthcare, and socioeconomic infrastructure projects.

At the same time, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by Azerbaijan as a regional logistics hub and energy center could help Armenia move away from its status as an isolated ‘economic island.’ Peace is not simply about disarmament; peace means the opening of transit routes, a sharp reduction in logistics costs, diversification of markets, and the inflow of foreign direct investment into the region.

If a peace agreement is concluded and all communications are opened, this will directly contribute to increased production volumes in both countries, the creation of new jobs, and economic growth. Establishing direct trade relations between neighboring countries primarily creates high profitability and a competitive advantage by minimizing logistical distances and transportation costs.

It is no coincidence that when we look at the geographical distribution of Azerbaijan’s foreign trade in the non-oil sector, we see that geographically close neighboring countries account for a significant share. Regional partners such as Russia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan are among the top ten destinations in our export portfolio. With the restoration of communications and the liberalization of the trade regime, it is entirely realistic for Armenia to join this list as well. This would mean not only capital flows, but also increased business activity in border regions and the creation of thousands of new jobs on both sides.

We hope that Yerevan will free itself from the illusions of supporters of external policies, draw the right lessons from its history, and permanently abandon its irredentist claims. With the realization of Azerbaijan’s proposed peace agenda, the period of conflict that for decades led to the loss of human resources and the destruction of national wealth will be left behind, and the South Caucasus will enter a new development trajectory based on mutual economic benefit.

Thailand’s liberal gold regime at risk

Investment in gold has long been regarded as a hedge against economic uncertainty, particularly during periods of heightened volatility. Yet gold is increasingly being used as a means of converting grey money into legitimate money, raising concerns about its broader impact on the country’s economy and society.

As a result, regulatory oversight aimed at tracking the origin and destination of gold held by individuals, whether the funds involved are legitimate, grey or illicit, has become a focus of government monitoring.

The Bank of Thailand previously required transactions involving gold purchases made through applications to be reported when their value exceeded 10 million baht or 2kg. This measure resulted in a 70% decline in unusual transactions in this category.

However, such measures may be insufficient. Central bank governor Vitai Ratanakorn and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas recently discussed introducing a transaction tax on gold trading. The Finance Ministry said the purpose of the tax was not to generate revenue, but rather to enable authorities to more effectively track who is buying and selling gold to whom.

Mr Vitai said if a tax were imposed on gold transactions, it could be set at a very low rate, such as 0.01% of the value of the gold transaction. For a transaction value of 70,000 baht, the tax would amount to just 7 baht.

What are the current taxes related to gold?

When an individual purchases gold from a traditional gold shop for personal savings or collection, rather than for commercial purposes, any subsequent sale of the gold is exempt from personal income tax. There is also no value-added tax (VAT) liability arising from the purchase and sale of the gold itself.

If gold is purchased for speculative purposes, such as through an app on a regular basis with the intention of systematically profiting from gold trading, the Revenue Department may determine that the activity does not constitute personal investment or collection. Income derived from such gold trading would be considered assessable under the law, meaning the resulting profits must be included in the calculation of income tax.

However, the making charge or the goldsmith’s fee on gold jewellery remains subject to VAT.

For investments such as gold futures or digital gold, profits earned from the investment are considered assessable income.

When will the gold transaction tax be introduced?

Policymakers believe Thailand may need to tax gold transactions to prevent money laundering. However, technocrats who translate policy into measures remain hesitant, concerned that such a levy could affect the domestic gold trade.

The current priority is to establish a regulatory framework for gold trading that prevents it from becoming a channel for money laundering. The Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) and the central bank are expected to jointly draft legislation governing both online and offline gold trading.

A digital system would be used to track gold trading data, providing authorities with up-to-date information more quickly.

Gold market supervision remains subject to two limitations: the absence of a dedicated regulatory authority, and limited access to comprehensive data on gold trading activities.

Although the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) oversees cash transactions, gold trading involves more complex dimensions than cash transactions alone.

How was gold trading regulated in the past?

According to a 1997 study by Thailand Development Research Institute focused on gold trading liberalisation, gold bullion trading in Thailand was once subject to strict government controls as part of wartime measures.

The Exchange Control Act of 1942 empowered the finance minister to issue laws and regulations governing the international movement of currency and the cross-border movement of gold. That same year, the ministry issued the Royal Decree Controlling the Export of Certain Goods Outside the Kingdom (No.8), which prohibited the export of gold, platinum, gems and precious stones from the country without special permission from the finance minister or a person designated by the minister.

When World War II ended in 1945, demand for gold bullion surged amid post-war inflationary pressures and concerns over the baht’s stability.

Restrictions on gold trading meant only certain businesses were permitted to import gold. For example, in 1952 the Finance Ministry granted exclusive import rights to Saha Thanikit Co, led by Bangkok Bank’s founder, Chin Sophonpanich, making the company an authorised gold importer.

Gold import tariffs were previously as high as 35%, before gradually falling to 5% in 1991 and then to 0% in 1992. The combination of high tariffs and a limited number of authorised importers drove a portion of the gold trade underground.

The reduction in gold import tariffs prompted the Finance Ministry to later liberalise gold imports, moving away from the previous system in which imports were monopolised by a small number of authorised importers.

In 1991, the FPO issued a notification on rules, procedures and conditions for registration as an importer or exporter, allowing private companies to import gold bullion, subject to three conditions.

Registration is required, with the FPO approving the criteria, procedures and conditions as proposed by the finance minister. Registered importers and exporters were required to present their registration documents to customs officials each time they imported or exported gold. The registration licence is valid for a maximum of three years.

Each gold importer is required to specify the quantity of gold it plans to import. The actual quantity imported cannot be less than the prescribed level, effectively establishing a minimum import requirement, forming part of the ministry’s policy to promote the expansion of the gold jewellery industry.

In addition, importers were required to submit monthly reports to the FPO specifying the dates and quantities of all cross-border transactions. The office reserved the right to revoke a registration if the licence holder failed to comply with the conditions and requirements of registration.

Azerbaijan’s 2023 anti-terror operation: final chapter of Karabakh conflict

September 19-20, 2023, is one of the most important turning points written in golden letters in the modern statehood chronicle of Azerbaijan. The local anti-terror measures, which lasted only 23 hours and 43 minutes, dealt the final and decisive blow to nearly three decades of illegal occupation, separatism, and the geopolitical uncertainty that existed in the South Caucasus. The operation resulted in the 100 percent restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also laying the foundation for new realities in the region.

But where had the path leading to this historic outcome begun? As is known, following the collapse of the USSR, as a result of Armenia’s irredentist and aggressive policy, 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s lands were occupied, and nearly one million of our compatriots lost their homes and became refugees and internally displaced persons. Despite all of Azerbaijan’s goodwill and peaceful initiatives, the Armenian side was unwilling to resolve the issue at the negotiating table and ignored the well-known resolutions of the UN Security Council. It even further escalated the situation with provocative slogans such as ‘new wars, new territories.’ Armenia’s adventurist policy resulted in the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, and Azerbaijan liberated a large part of its territories through military and political means.

However, Armenia’s leadership, living in illusions, and the illegal junta regime in Karabakh once again remained true to their tradition. Following the trilateral statement of November 10, 2023, Yerevan refused to fulfill the obligations it had undertaken and did not withdraw the remnants of its illegal armed formations from the territories of Azerbaijan. Not content with this, it continued acts of sabotage and subversion in the liberated territories, particularly mine terrorism. Finally, on the morning of September 19, when Azerbaijani civilians and police officers were martyred as a result of a mine provocation in Khojavand, the terrorist acts of the separatists reached their peak, making anti-terror measures inevitable.

The operation that began on September 19 once again demonstrated to the whole world the strength, high professionalism, and modern technical equipment of the Azerbaijani Army. This operation, which entered world military history as an example of ‘precision strikes’ carried out with surgical accuracy, involved the use of digital technologies, unmanned aerial vehicles, and high-precision artillery systems. The enemy’s deep defensive lines built over years, long-term firing positions, command posts, and air defense systems were destroyed within a few hours. All of this was carried out with such professionalism that the enemy, realizing that further resistance was completely meaningless, was forced to raise the white flag and surrender.

One of the most unique and remarkable aspects of this operation was that it was based on the highest principles of humanitarianism. No harm was caused to the civilian population or civilian infrastructure. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces neutralized only legitimate military targets. During the operation, humanitarian corridors were opened for civilians, and medical and food assistance was provided to those in need. Despite the disinformation campaigns of some biased circles in the West, the UN mission that visited the area also officially confirmed that civilian infrastructure had not been damaged and that there had been no cases of violence against the civilian population. This proved that the Azerbaijani soldier possesses a high level of culture not only on the battlefield, but also on the moral and humanitarian plane.

Following the operation, the territory was fully cleared with the disarmament of the remnants of the Armenian army, the confiscation of thousands of pieces of heavy military equipment and ammunition, and the dissolution of the separatist regime, which announced the termination of its existence. This was not merely a military success, but also the establishment of Law and Justice.

Ultimately, the anti-terror operation of September 19-20, 2023, became a brilliant triumph of the far-sighted diplomatic, military, and political strategy that Azerbaijani President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev had implemented step by step over the years. ‘Iron Fist’ diplomacy perfectly combined military power with strategic intelligence, bringing a complete and decisive end to the 30-year conflict. With the raising of our tricolor flag in Khankendi, Khojaly, Khojavand, and Aghdara, Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty. Today, the new opportunities for peace and cooperation that have emerged in the South Caucasus are rising precisely on the foundation of this magnificent Victory.

Lisa’s on-screen drinking gets Thais talking about booze law

Images of Buri Ram-born pop star Lisa drinking Thai beer on a US talk show have sparked discussion among Thais, going beyond her impressive promotion of Thai ‘soft power’ to raise questions about the country’s alcohol advertising law.

The fact that 29-year-old Lalisa ‘Lisa’ Manobal drank the beer in the United States means she would not be subject to punishment under Thai law, which bans most forms of alcohol advertising and marketing under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

However, Thais impressed by Lisa’s ‘soft power’ gesture have found themselves in a dilemma over sharing pictures or video, as they would be subject to restrictions under Thai law.

During The Tonight Show on Wednesday, Lisa brought out beer from Thailand and invited host Jimmy Fallon to say ‘mot kaew’, a phrase commonly used by Thais when drinking together. They then clinked glasses and drank beer to ease the spiciness after tasting chillies and som tam.

Lisa appeared on the show to promote her forthcoming album Press Play, which will feature ‘many Thai elements’ and is due out on Oct 23. She also served som tam and a favourite cocktail recipe, made with Korean soju, Thai beer and Sprite.

The segment was widely covered by Thai media, with many praising Lisa for drawing international attention to Thai food and culture.

But under Thai law, media outlets in Thailand are required to blur images of alcohol products and related material in such content.

While some people questioned the appropriateness of the artist’s actions, others called for the government to consider reforming the law to keep pace with the digital age, while balancing social protection with opportunities for economic growth.

In the past, Thai media were allowed to advertise alcoholic beverages relatively freely. That changed with the passage of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act in 2008 by the government of Gen Surayud Chulanont, appointed by the coup leaders who toppled Thaksin Shinawatra exactly 20 years ago this weekend.

Section 32 of the Act bans the advertising or display of the names and logos of alcoholic beverages, as well as claims about their benefits intended to induce people to consume them.

The law allows exceptions for the provision of information, knowledge or public relations concerning alcoholic beverages, subject to the relevant rules.

‘Thai creators should exercise caution’

Public Health Minister Phatthana Promphat, who was asked for comment on Friday, said he did not think the Lisa incident should be turned into a controversy.

Regarding proposed amendments to the law, Mr Phatthana said there had been no changes so far and officials continued to enforce the existing regulations.

Any future changes would have to be carefully considered in terms of their advantages and disadvantages, he said.

As for Thai creators who post content featuring alcoholic beverage recipes without displaying a brand, the minister said each case must be considered based on its content and intent.

However, clearly displaying a brand or linking to a sales channel, such as an online shopping basket, could indicate commercial intent, he said, adding that manufacturers and content creators should therefore exercise caution. (Story continues below)

‘No more guessing over how officials interpret law’

‘For me, we should go beyond asking whether Lisa is guilty or not and ask why people do not know what they can and cannot do,’ said People’s Party MP Taopiphop Limjittakorn, a longtime proponent of liquor market liberalisation.

In a Facebook post on Friday, he said the incident reflected a problem for businesses, content creators, influencers, retailers and ordinary people who have to comply with the law.

‘If the rules remain unclear, people should not be left to guess how officials will interpret them,’ he said.

He called on the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee to take two steps: expedite the issuance of secondary regulations and produce a handbook that ordinary people can easily understand.

He said the Act set a broad framework, including terms such as ‘using one’s reputation to induce’ people to consume alcohol, leaving people to ask what constitutes inducement and what the exact do’s and don’ts are.

‘Communication has changed, with platforms such as TikTok and YouTube and the growing role of influencers and creators,’ he said. ‘The law therefore needs to keep pace with people’s actual behaviour.’

The handbook, he said, should provide clear examples of what can and cannot be done, such as reporting news or discussing alcoholic beverages in artistic and cultural contexts without an intention to advertise, as opposed to accepting payment to promote sales or posting content encouraging people to buy alcoholic beverages.

Philippines tagged as deadliest Asian country for environmentalists

The Philippines was named as the deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders for the 13th consecutive year, climate justice watchdog Global Witness reported.

In the 2025 report of the investigative and campaigning organization, the Philippines tied with Honduras with 12 defenders’ deaths, the highest record outside Latin America.

Six of the recorded killings in the Philippines were indigenous peoples, three were small-scale farmers, a journalist and two others.

Joan Carling, executive director of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights International, attributed the killings to the government’s counter-insurgency programs and extractive projects.

Global Witness said the militarization of rural communities enabled the military to impose repressive measures, including red-tagging to portray defenders as communists or terrorists.

The watchdog cited the case of Veronico Anterio, a 65-year-old farmer who was allegedly shot for voicing opposition to the growing military presence in Samar.

‘Global Witness linked five of those killings to the armed forces, showing how, when attempts to criminalize defenders fail, the military reverts to more direct attacks,’ said Carling.

Cases with suspected links to organized crime were also recorded in the Philippines, along with five other Latin American countries.

Environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment asked the government for genuine accountability for the attacks, calling it to ‘end the use of state forces and criminal proceedings to suppress peaceful opposition.’

From 2012 to 2025, the Philippines ranked third in the Global Witness statistics, with 318 recorded killings and disappearances of environmental defenders.

The Philippines is joined by Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Tanzania in the 2025 report.

Chinese man linked to B1bn gambling network arrested in Chon Buri

A Chinese national wanted in his home country in connection with an illegal online gambling and money-laundering operation with nearly 1 billion baht in circulation has been arrested near Pattaya.

Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers apprehended the 31-year-old Chinese man, identified only as Yu, outside a housing estate in tambon Huai Yai in Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri, on Friday, said Pol Maj Gen Patanasak Bupphasawan, the CSD commander.

Authorities had been tracking Mr Yu, who was wanted under a Chinese arrest warrant and was believed to have fled to Thailand. The investigation involved officers from the CSD as well as the police Anti-Cyber Scam Centre and the Centre for Combating Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration.

Investigators found that Mr Yu had established the Paofeng network in 2018, allegedly operating as an intermediary for transferring and laundering money for overseas online gambling websites, said Pol Maj Gen Patanasak.

The network had about 60 lower-level members and established numerous currency-trading teams to control more than 6,000 Alipay and WeChat accounts. The accounts were used to receive gambling payments from players before transferring the money to gambling websites.

The network also used cryptocurrencies to move funds, evade scrutiny and make it more difficult for authorities to trace financial transactions. Investigators estimated that the operation had turnover of around 1 billion baht.

Following intelligence gathering and surveillance, investigators identified Mr Yu’s whereabouts and discovered he had been living in a residential estate in Bang Lamung district. The officers subsequently moved in and arrested him outside the property.

During questioning, Mr Yu admitted that he was the person named in the Chinese arrest warrant and confirmed that he had fled to Thailand to evade arrest.

He was handed over to the Immigration Bureau for legal processing and deportation procedures before being returned to China to face charges.

BFAR vessel hit by China Coast Guard ship

A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel ‘intentionally rammed’ a ship of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) about 54 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan on Friday, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said the CCG vessel struck the BRP Datu Magat Salamat at around 11 a.m. while the Philippine vessel was conducting a fisherfolk assistance mission.

‘It was not a collision. It was an intentional ramming done by the CCG-21585,’ Tarriela said.

Tarriela said the BFAR vessel was carrying out a mission to provide fuel subsidies and food packs to Filipino fishermen in the Kalayaan Island Group following weeks of monsoon rains.

‘The objective of the BFAR deployment is purely humanitarian. It is not conducting operations that provoked anybody or any state,’ he said.

The contact damaged the main railings on the starboard side, metal stanchions and support structures as well as deck fixtures and equipment. No injuries were reported.

‘Even after the collision, CCG-21585 conducted yet another dangerous maneuver, passing dead astern at a distance of only about five meters,’ Tarriela said.

‘This kind of behavior of the Chinese government is an outright violation of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and the collision regulations,’ Tarriela added.

The Chinese embassy, however, disputed the Philippine account, saying the incident was a collision caused by the BRP Datu Magat Salamat after it ignored warnings from the CCG vessel and accelerated after altering its course.

The BRP Datu Magat Salamat was refloated Thursday after running aground at Hasa-Hasa Shoal during its operations.

Tarriela said it would be docked at Coron Port for an assessment of its seaworthiness.

He said the CCG’s 215 series consists of smaller, faster and more agile vessels capable of intercepting ships in the West Philippine Sea.

The decision on whether to file a diplomatic protest will be left to the Department of Foreign Affairs, while the PCG would continue supporting the remaining BFAR vessels in their supply missions to Filipino fisherfolk.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva shared post on September 20 – State Sovereignty Day

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has shared a post on the occasion of September 20 – State Sovereignty Day.

AZERTAC presents the post: ‘I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of State Sovereignty Day and wish every compatriot good health, love and happiness! May the solidarity of our people, our sovereignty, and the peace and tranquility prevailing in our country be eternal!’