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Philippines, US launch three-week joint military drills with 5,000 army soldiers

PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN RYAN BALDEMOR

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio and Adrian H. Halili, Reporters

PHILIPPINE and US army soldiers started three weeks of joint military exercises on Monday, with drills focused on territorial defense and commanding large-scale deployments of forces, the Philippine Army said.

About 5,000 soldiers from the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific will take part in warfighting and exchange of expertise in the first phase of this year’s Exercise Salaknib. A second phase is scheduled for later this year.

The opening ceremony was held at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija in northern Philippines.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to travel to Manila this week to meet Philippine leaders and forces, the Pentagon said last week.

The exercises would focus on enhancing combined operations between their armies, large-scale maneuvers, live-fire exercises and territorial defense, the Philippine Army said in a statement.

The Salaknib (Ilocano word for shield) exercises began in 2016 and are yearly engagements between the two treaty allies, part of the broader Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) training drills.

The first phase of the Salaknib exercises will run from March 24 to April 11, ending a week before the start of the Balikatan combat drills on April 21 to May 9. The second phase of the Salaknib exercises will continue on May 19 to July 20.

The UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Korea and France have committed to join the Balikatan drills, Balikatan Combined Joint Information Bureau chief Lieutenant Colonel John Paul C. Salgado told BusinessWorld via Viber.

“The exercise (Salaknib), designed as a continuous operation, focuses on enhancing combined and joint all-domain operations, reinforcing warfighting capabilities, and showcasing a strong bilateral commitment to safeguarding the Philippines’ territorial integrity,” the Philippine Army said.

Manila has been at the forefront of efforts to contest Beijing’s expansive sea claim, deepening security ties with western countries and regional allies like Japan and Australia.

The war games between Manila and Washington’s forces have focused on enhancing the Southeast Asian nation’s ability to defend its territory from external threats, conducting past drills near potential flashpoints of the South China Sea and self-governed Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade state.

“Through joint exercises… the [Philippine] Army further solidifies its readiness to respond to evolving threats and upholds its vital role in the nation’s land defense as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ broader mission in external security operations,” the Philippine Army added.

Security engagements between the two nations have soared under Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who has pivoted closer to the US.

Mr. Marcos has prioritized upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the South China Sea and has locked horns repeatedly with China over its actions in the disputed waterway, including the constant presence of Beijing’s coast guard near disputed features within the Southeast Asian nation’s maritime zone.

Mr. Hegseth is the first Cabinet official to visit Manila since US President Donald J. Trump took office in January.

Lloyd Austin, who was Defense Secretary under President Joseph Biden, had said America’s alliance with the Philippines would transcend changes in administrations.

The Philippines secured an exemption from the 90-day funding freeze that Mr. Trump ordered in January so it could receive $336 million for the modernization of its security forces.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. met with India’s Chief of Defense Staff Anil Chauhan in New Delhi last week, discussing ways to forge stronger security ties between their countries, the Philippine military said in a separate statement.

Mr. Brawner also pushed deeper military relations between the Philippines and India by “enhancing military capabilities through collaboration” during the geopolitical forum Raisina Dialogue.

“The AFP chief of staff also emphasized the significance of ongoing cooperation, including training exchanges, the acquisition of advanced defense systems like the BrahMos missile system, and joint maritime exercises,” the AFP said.

TALKS WITH AUSTRALIA
Also on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is looking to bolster defense ties with Australia, particularly on maritime security, counter-terrorism, defense infrastructure and defense policies.

In a statement, the agency said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, alongside an envoy of the defense department, met with Australian Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan for the Philippines-Australia strategic dialogue in Canberra.

“The discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, countering transnational crime, ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 and strategic alliances,” the DFA said.

It added that both envoys are exploring possible cooperation on cybersecurity, climate resilience and critical infrastructure, among other areas.

Australia, the US and Japan are among the countries that have visiting forces agreement with the Philippines, providing a legal basis for foreign armed forces to enter the country and setting how they will be treated.

“Australia emphasized its shared views with the Philippines on current challenges facing the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region,” the DFA said. “Australia also expressed continued support for the Philippines’ capacity-building requirements and supply of operational assets.”

Amid increasing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea, the Philippines has been seeking more foreign defense deals with countries like Australia, the US, Japan and Canada.

Manila and Beijing have repeatedly clashed in the South China Sea, with both sides accusing each other of raising tensions.

A United Nations-backed tribunal based in The Hague in 2016 voided China’s claims to more than 80% of the waterway for being illegal.

The South China Sea is a vital waterway for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. Aside from China and Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam also claim parts of the sea. — with Reuters

BSP urges banks to protect system from vote-buying

PHILIPPINE STAR/JESSE BUSTOS

By Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson, Reporter

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has urged banks to boost measures against vote-buying and other misuse of funds through digital platforms ahead of this year’s midterm elections.

In a memo dated March 23 and uploaded on the BSP website on Monday, the central bank warned banks of the possible proliferation of vote-buying, vote-selling and abuse of state resources in election schemes.

The memo seeks to “mitigate the heightened risk of the possible abuse or misuse of digital channels.” “The BSP strongly calls for the adoption of enhanced surveillance and monitoring measures to prevent the misuse of financial institutions as conduits for these illegal activities,” it added.

It also urged financial institutions to tighten controls in detecting or preventing the possible influx of fraudulent accounts and transactions as the election date approaches, it added.

“This is actually an instruction not only to the banks but to all platforms,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said in a speech at the signing ceremony where Comelec and BSP completed the escrow deposit of the final trusted build source codes for the automated elections on May 12.

“This will practically, if not eradicate, then mitigate the existence of vote-buying using these platforms,” he added.

Banks should have appropriate customer onboarding processes, effective fraud management and account and transaction monitoring capabilities to respond to fraudulent activities, the central bank said.

Financial institutions must calibrate these controls to account for possible scenarios such as an unusual volume or value in cash-in or cash-out transactions.

It also cited scenarios such as the concentration of account registrations in areas where abuse of state resources is rampant.

These also include large cash transactions or encashment of checks during the election period and unusual transaction flows between accounts or digital wallets.

Financial institutions must submit suspicious transaction reports to the Anti-Money Laundering Council, it added.

Meanwhile, central bank Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said completing the escrow deposit of the final trusted build source codes is a key step to ensure that elections are transparent and credible.

“By taking custody of the source code in compliance with Republic Act No. 9369, the BSP reaffirms not only its legal obligation but also its steadfast commitment to supporting clean and transparent elections,” she said in a speech.

Under the law, Comelec must send the source codes to the BSP for safekeeping.

These include the source codes for the automated counting machines, consolidation and canvassing system, election management system, secure electronic transmission system and online voting and counting system.

“The source codes are stored in digital media storage devices after having undergone the full final trusted build international certification and local source code review,” the BSP said.

It also ensures election accuracy, credibility, transparency and auditability in several electronic processes.

These include the counting, consolidation and canvassing of votes; election returns and certificates of canvass; transmission of electronic election results; and management of the automated elections.

The source codes for national and local elections from 2010 to 2022 are also deposited inside the central bank’s vaults.

Transportation dep’t open to changes to jeepney modernization program

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporters

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) is open to some changes to the government’s public transport modernization program to address the concerns of transport groups, its chief said amid a three-day jeepney strike that started on Monday.

“We are open to changes,” Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon told a news briefing. “Clearly, there are some issues that need to be resolved. It is important for us to identify these problems first and then we will address these.”

Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (Manibela) has announced a transport strike to protest what it said were the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) inaccurate consolidation figures of public utility vehicle operators and drivers under the program.

The modernization program, which started in 2017, seeks to replace traditional jeepneys with units that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to cut pollution.

Mr. Dizon said his agency would present a solution in two weeks after it concludes dialogues with more stakeholders. The new transport chief said he plans to discuss the issue with the LTFRB and various transport groups.

He said about 86% of public utility vehicles (PUVs) have applied for consolidation under the initial phase of the modernization program. But only about 40% of these applications have been approved, he added.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando S. Artes said the first day of the transport strike had “minimal impact” on commuters as local governments deployed vehicles offering free rides to stranded commuters.

The MMDA also ruled out suspending the number coding scheme during the strike. Some local governments suspended classes because of the strike.

Mr. Dizon said Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) would extend night operations by an hour starting on Monday.

MRT-3 will also deploy additional trains during peak hours to accommodate more passengers. The new closing time for North Avenue station will be at 10:25 p.m., while Taft Avenue will close at 11:04 p.m.

Jeepney drivers and operators have decried the high price of a modern jeepney, which costs more than P2 million.

The initial phase of the modernization program involves consolidating individual PUV franchises into cooperatives or corporations. Units that remain unconsolidated will be considered illegal and subject to penalties.

Explain alleged fake recipients of confidential funds, VP told

VICE-PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO — HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

THE PALACE on Monday urged Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio to address an alleged list of fake recipients of confidential funds to dispel accusations of corruption at her office and the Department of Education.

“We believe that VP Sara has the obligation to address this matter and provide clarification regarding these findings,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Clarissa A. Castro said at a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino.

“There have been numerous circulating claims about fake receipts allegedly issued by Vice President Sara’s office. She says we need more transparency, but it would be better for her to explain these to the public.”

House Deputy Leader and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V on Sunday said new strange names, such as “Joug de Asim” and “Fernan Amuy,” were found on receipts used to justify the DepEd’s use of confidential fund, under Ms. Duterte’s term. This is on top of other alleged made-up names, related to junk foods and fruits, that previously surfaced.

The Office of the Vice President told BusinessWorld in a Viber message that Ms. Castro’s statement has been relayed to her but has yet to issue a response.

Ms. Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives in early February over alleged misuse of secret funds, unexplained wealth, and acts of destabilization and plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his family. Ms. Duterte has denied any wrongdoing.

She is expected to be tried by the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court in July.

Meanwhile, Ms. Castro also dispelled claims of the Duterte family being under threat amid former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged crimes against humanity.

At a rally of Duterte supporters in the Netherlands, the Vice-President said her father could suffer the same fate as former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino, Jr., implying that he could get assassinated if he were to return to the Philippines.

“He really wants to come home. I told him, ‘Pa, if you go home, that will be the end of your life. You’ll be like Ninoy Aquino, Jr.,” Ms. Duterte said at the rally in Filipino.

Historians have cited Mr. Aquino’s death in 1983 as a turning point in the dictatorial rule of the late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr., leading to his ouster by a popular street uprising less than three years later. The elder Marcos was the father of the sitting president.

Mr. Aquino was assassinated moments after deplaning from Manila’s international airport after years of exile in the US.

“As a matter of fact, even the alleged threats against VP Sara have not yet been presented to the National Bureau of Investigation or the Philippine National Police, so where are these claims coming from?” Ms. Castro said.

“We need materials and evidence before making such statements. There is no truth to this.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Immigration bureau bans layovers in deporting POGO-linked fugitives

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) banned layovers in deportation flights of international fugitives involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) activities, it reported on Monday.

The agency under Resolution No. 2025-002, dated March 21, said deported foreign nationals with POGO links can only board direct flights to their home countries, except in cases where there are no direct flights from Manila.

“The discussions during senate hearings allowed us to hear other perspectives that we have included in our discussions. This is a firm step in strengthening our deportation procedures,” Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said in a statement.

He noted the directive aims to prevent deported individuals from exploiting layovers in neighboring countries to resume illicit operations.

“Removing [layovers] for POGO-related foreign nationals would lower opportunities of them expanding their operations in other countries in the Asian region,” he added.

The policy shift follows calls from Senators Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros and Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who advocated for stricter measures to prevent high-profile criminals from manipulating deportation protocols.

The BI, in coordination with the Department of Justice, is working closely with airlines and foreign embassies to facilitate seamless implementation of the new directive.

Mr. Viado said this only forms part of additional security measures the BI is considering to enhance deportation procedures.

These include heightened collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and stricter monitoring of deportees.

“We will continue reviewing and strengthening our deportation processes to prevent criminals from finding ways back into the country or evading justice,” he said.

“We will not allow foreign criminals to exploit our system. Our message is clear — those who violate the law will be removed from the Philippines without any chance of continuing their illicit activities.”

This followed a Senate hearing that revealed 21 deportees who were supposed to be transported back to China were diverted to Kuala Lumpur and eventually headed to Cambodia. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Balance law vs fake news, SP says

FREEPIK

SENATE PRESIDENT (SP) Francis G. Escudero on Monday said there needs to be a “good balance” in drafting a law against fake news to avoid infringing on the basic rights of free speech and expression, under the Constitution.

“The good balance or bridge in any law regarding fake news is that it should not cross over into violating the right of our countrymen to freely speak,” Mr. Escudero said in a news briefing, following a House joint committee hearing on disinformation.

House lawmakers are conducting a tri-committee hearing to tackle the rising threat of online disinformation and fake news, which seeks to hold accountable persons deliberately spreading disinformation.

“It is clearly stated in Article 3, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution, that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press… In this regard, Congress should not pass a law that contradicts this,” the Senate chief added.

Mr. Escudero said that expressing one’s opinion differs from stating lies or disinformation.

“Anyone has the freedom to express their opinion freely and widely. But anyone who states something as truth should probably be looked at and studied,” he said in Filipino.

Earlier, the Presidential Communications Office called for the creation of a regulatory body to monitor fake news and to weed out troll armies that operate via dummy accounts.

About 62% of Filipinos get their news from social media, particularly on Facebook, according to a 2024 survey by political consultancy firm Publicus Asia. — Adrian H. Halili

44 graduate from NBI Academy

NBI FACEBOOK PAGE

FORTY-FOUR new agents have graduated from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Academy, boosting the Philippines’ capacity in cybercrime and forensic examination.

In an ambush interview at the Department of Justice, Director Jaime B. Santiago said many of the new graduates are lawyers and information technology (IT) experts.

“Cybercrime is becoming an increasing trend, not just in the Philippines,” he said in Filipino. “We need to stay one step ahead of these cybercriminals.”

The former judge hoped the new agents would strengthen NBI’s ability to analyze digital evidence and ensure critical information is properly assessed.

The NBI is currently investigating 20 video bloggers for peddling “fake news,” Mr. Santiago said.

“We are carefully studying why that seems to be the prevailing theme among our vloggers today. Is someone leading them? We are looking into that,” he said in Filipino.

The agency has also started coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission last week to determine the increase in numbers.

“We are looking into why their numbers are increasing. Why do they seem to have the same theme? They appear to be taking advantage of the chaos in our political atmosphere,” he said.

In a separate statement on Monday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warned law enforcers in implementing laws that could impact on individual’s freedom of expression.

The commission noted that government-based sanctions that look into the truth value of a statement may be considered a restraint on free speech.

The CHR issued this statement after the arrest of a video blogger on March 21. The person admitted to being paid to spread false information, although the amount involved was minimal.

“The CHR expresses its concern over the arrest of an online content creator who falsely manipulated an online graphic reporting the statement of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., to make it appear that he is calling for the legalization of illegal narcotics, and there are ongoing surveillance efforts by law enforcement against online content creators or vloggers whom they suspect of spreading disinformation or fake news,” it said.

“The CHR remains vigilant in monitoring possible infringements on the fundamental right to freedom of expression to avoid the overbearing application of in terrorem effect of criminal law on the well-meaning exercise of fundamental rights.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Over 2,600 tobacco farmers get aid

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — Tobacco industry regulatory body National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is distributing aid to 2,618 tobacco farmers affected by weather disturbances at the start of tobacco cropping season in Northern Luzon provinces.

NTA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Belinda S. Sanchez said they seek to provide immediate relief to the tobacco farmers striving to recover from the effect of the typhoons and freak rains that occurred from November 2024 until the first week of January 2025.

The weather disturbance caused the wilting of growing tobacco seedlings and newly — transplanted tobacco in some areas in the tobacco-producing provinces.

A total of P9 million was allotted for the program to cover the P4-million cash assistance for the qualified farmers and the P5-million fund for the purchase of bio-stimulants.

Deputy Administrator for Operations (DAOP) Nestor C. Casela said that an affected tobacco farmer will receive a P1,500 cash assistance and two liters of bio-stimulant.

“The successive occurrences of Typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, and Ofel from November to December in 2024 and the strike of freak rains in the first week of January 2025 have severely damaged some areas planted with tobacco in Regions 1, 2 and CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region),” Mr. Casela said.

“Each tobacco farmer, whose tobacco seedbeds, seedlings, and early transplanted seedlings were damaged by typhoons and freak rains will receive, a cash subsidy of P1,500 and two liters of bio-stimulants for protecting the tobacco seedlings from wilting due to excessive soil moisture,” Mr. Casela added.

Of the 2,618 qualified recipients of the assistance, 1,024 were tobacco farmers from the 2nd district of Ilocos Sur under the jurisdiction of NTA Candon Branch, 502 farmers from La Union, 452 farmers from the 1st district of Ilocos Sur under the control of NTA Vigan Branch, 272 farmers from Isabela, 151 farmers from Cagayan, 95 farmers from Pangasinan, 83 from Abra, and 39 from Ilocos Norte. The eight NTA branch offices validated and consolidated the qualified recipients of the program.

“We understand the challenges that our tobacco farmers are facing due to the recent extreme weather conditions. Our priority is to ensure that they receive the support necessary to recover and rebuild their tobacco plantations,” Mr. Casela stressed.

The NTA started rolling out the distribution of the assistance to the farmers in Abra on March 14, and in Cagayan on March 17, and will be followed by other branch offices. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Ex-BARMM chief declines MP appointment

COTABATO CITY — Former Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ahod Balawag Ebrahim has declined his appointment as member of its 80-seat parliament.

“I have decided to respectfully decline that appointment,” said Mr. Ebrahim, who was officially installed as BARMM’s chief minister in 2019 by then-President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. Early this month designated Abdulrauf Abdul Macacua as the new BARMM chief minister, in place of Mr. Ebrahim, who is also chairman of the central committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Mr. Ebrahim finally acknowledged Mr. Macacua, who is also chief of MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces on Monday in a congratulatory message dispatched to media outfits in Central Mindanao.

Mr. Macacua told reporters on Monday that he appreciates deeply the role of Mr. Ebrahim, the members of the regional parliament that he had led for five years, and all the ministers at the helm of different agencies in the autonomous region in setting up the facets for regional governance in the context of Moro autonomy together conceptualized by the MILF and the national government in two decades of peace talks.

Mr. Macacua said he will do his best to sustain the gains of the peace, security and development initiatives of Ebrahim, his predecessor.

Mr. Macacua said he is grateful to all members of the MILF, the civil society organizations and the international humanitarian and peace-advocacy entities helping the BARMM government foster peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro region.

The Bangsamoro region covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato, where its regional capitol is located. — John Felix M. Unson

Giant-killing spree continues

ALEXANDRA EALA from the Philippines serves against Madison Keys of the USA (not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. — REUTERS/GEOFF BURKE-IMAGN IMAGES

Eala stuns world No. 5 Madison Keys

AND Alexandra “Alex” Eala’s Cinderella run continued with the biggest win not only of her career but of the entire Philippine tennis.

A wildcard entry among the sport’s biggest stars, Ms. Eala took down another heavyweight in world No. 5 Madison Keys of the United States, 6-4, 6-2, to barge into the 2025 Miami Open Round of 16 on Monday at the Hardrock Stadium in Florida.

On the heels of a massive win against world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, Ms. Eala braved on and scored an ever greater feat in the Round of 32 at the expense of the American ace at home.

Ms. Eala, WTA No. 140, needed only 87 minutes to trample Ms. Keys, who’s coming off a stunning championship run in the Australian Open last January.

Ms. Keys’ served as the second big fish in Ms. Eala’s frying pan after upsetting former French Open champion Ms. Ostapenko in the Round of 64.

Not only did Ms. Eala slay two Grand Slam champions but she also became the first Filipina player in history to beat a Top-25 and Top-5 player in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings.

Ms. Eala did it behind a flawless game, banking on a 3-1 blitz in the first set before repelling Ms. Keys’ furious comeback by owning the last two games.

She then flaunted the same composure in the second set, blanking Ms. Keys in the last four games to break away from a deadlock at two games each.

Prior to Mses. Ostapenko and Keys, Ms. Eala also drubbed world No. 73 Katie Volynets of the USA, 6-3, 7-6(3), in the Round of 128.

“I feel like growing up, it was tough because you didn’t have anyone from where you are to pave the way (for you). Of course you had many people to look up to around the world but I hope this takes Philippine tennis to another step,” said Ms. Eala, who jumped, shouted and cried in euphoria after a monumental victory.

Ms. Eala, who has trained at Rafa Nadal’s academy in Mallorca since she was 13, required a medical timeout for what appeared to be a leg injury but was a force from the baseline against Ms. Keys, who reached the Indian Wells semifinal last week.

But the Filipina tennister is not done yet, setting her sights on another top-ranked player in WTA No. 10 Spain’s Paula Badosa, who scored a 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Denmark’s Clara Tauson, in the Round of 16.

At stake for Ms. Eala is her first-ever quarterfinal stint in the WTA 1000 tourney for another history. — John Bryan Ulanday

Swiatek beats Mertens

FORMER CHAMPION Iga Swiatek earned a 7-6(2), 6-1 win over Belgian 27th seed Elise Mertens that made the Polish second seed the first player to reach the last 16 of a WTA 1000 event in 25 consecutive appearances.

Swiatek built a seemingly comfortable 5-2 lead in the first set but Mertens managed to claw back to 5-5 before the Pole ran away with the tiebreaker and breezed through the second frame.

“I’m happy that I got my level up in the tiebreaker to close it in two sets. Also in the second set I felt like I was playing good, big confidence,” said Swiatek. “Yeah, overall I’m happy with the performance and how I worked through some issues.”

Up next for Swiatek will be Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who beat Czech 15th seed Karolina Muchova 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 and is looking to build on her run to the Indian Wells quarterfinal where she lost to eventual champion Mirra Andreeva.

In other women’s action, Andreeva’s bid for a “Sunshine Double” ended as American 17th seed Amanda Anismova beat the Russian 11th seed 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-3.

Anisimova will next face former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who advanced after American McCartney Kessler retired due to a lower back injury while trailing the Briton 6-1, 3-0.

American fourth seed Jessica Pegula rallied to beat Russian Anna Kalinskaya 6-7(3), 6-2, 7-6(2) and will face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the fourth round. — Reuters

Gin Kings brace for TNT fighting stand in Game 6

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DOWN but not out, TNT is committed to put up a big fight to stop Barangay Ginebra from delivering the kill shot and ascending to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup throne.

After leading, 2-1, the Tropang Giga dropped back-to-back games, 95-78 and 73-66, to find themselves in a do-or-die in Wednesday’s Game 6 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I see us fighting like hell, fighting to win, fighting to play an excellent game, fighting to give maximum effort all 48 minutes, whether we go up or not, and just staying locked in (in Game 6),” Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ) said with strong conviction.

“(Coach) Chot (Reyes) said it to us — it’s about mental (toughness), like our mentality going into those crucial moments, turning (the ball) over, being wrong on a defensive play, allowing someone to jump up the screen,” he added.

RHJ and Co. went up by as many as 10 in the Game 5 tiebreaker last Sunday but coughed up only 11 in the third and 10 in the fourth, allowing Ginebra to steal the third W and go on the hill.

“Well, basketball is about scoring points, putting the ball in the basket and we couldn’t do it,” rued Mr. Reyes. whose troops missed several gimmes and open long shots in the stretch.

“We’re keeping them down to 75 points and we’re still losing games. They scored 71 in Game 2 and we lost. In Game 5, they scored 73 and we lost. We have no business winning if we can’t score more than 75.”

Ginebra, meanwhile, is ready to face TNT’s fighting stand head-on.

“We will come and try with all our might (to clinch it),” said Justin Brownlee, who isn’t letting a dislocated right thumb prevent him from helping the Gin Kings’ attempt to get back at their tormentors in their last two Governors’ Cup finals.

“TNT is a great team as the past has shown. They beat us two times in the finals so we know it’s not going to be easy. The hardest game in my opinion and in my experience is the closeout game,” he added.

Notes: After the Game 3 shoving and shouting incident with teammate Glen Khobuntin, Poy Erram got involved in another heated exchange on the TNT bench, this time with coach Chot Reyes. This happened in the third quarter of Game 5 at the height of Ginebra’s searing fightback. “Ah that’s just, I just got fed up with all the antics,” shared Mr. Reyes. “So I let him have a piece of my mind.” Like true pros, the two set aside the incident and went right back to work. — Olmin Leyba

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