Rene Acosta

About Rene Acosta

Rene Acosta is a journalist based in the Philippines where he covers defense and national security. He was formerly the president of the Defense Press Corps of the Philippines.


Recent Posts By the Author


Officials: the Philippines Expanding South China Sea Patrols Near Disputed Reef

Officials: the Philippines Expanding South China Sea Patrols Near Disputed Reef

Republic of the Philippines Navy ship BRP Jose Rizal (FF 150) steams in a multinational formation during a photo exercise off the coast of Hawaii during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise on Aug. 21, 2020. US Navy Photo

MANILA – The Philippines has sent additional ships on Tuesday to its maritime territory that is subject to China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, officials announced on Tuesday. Read More

Persistent Chinese Maritime Militia Presence off Philippines Raises Concerns in Manila

Persistent Chinese Maritime Militia Presence off Philippines Raises Concerns in Manila

Overview of Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea and Chinese vessels moored in the waters surrounding the boomerang-shaped coral reef on March 23. MAXAR Photo

MANILA – Chinese maritime militia vessels remained berthed at the Whitsun Reef, which is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, lending credence to what Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana described as China’s plot to permanently occupy the feature. Read More

U.S. Air Force Chief Stresses Importance Of Freedom of Navigation Operations During Pacific Tour

U.S. Air Force Chief Stresses Importance Of Freedom of Navigation Operations During Pacific Tour

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein speaks to Airmen during an all call at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 14, 2019. US Air Force Photo

MANILA — The U.S. Air Force and the Navy will continue a combination of air and sea patrols in the Indo-Pacific region in an effort to keep the waters and skies open to overflight and international navigation, the head of the U.S. Air Force said in the Philippines, his first stopover during a visit to the air forces in the region. Read More